Caput Mundi: Conservative restoration and enhancement of the Cistern building complex in Via Cristoforo Colombo

Caput Mundi Next Generation EU for touristic great events (Mission 1, Component 3, Investment 4.3)

Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan increases the number of accessible tourist sites in Rome, creating valid and qualified tourist and cultural alternatives with respect to the crowded central areas, as well as increasing the use of digital technologies, enhance green areas and the sustainability of tourism. The investment envisages six lines of interventions:
1. “Roman Cultural Heritage for EU-Next Generation”, covering the regeneration and restoration of cultural and urban heritage and complexes of high historical-architectural value of the city of Rome;
2. “Jubilee paths” (from pagan to Christian Rome), targeted to the enhancement, safety, anti-seismic consolidation, restoration of places and buildings of historical interest and archaeological pathways;
3. #LaCittàCondivisa, covering the redevelopment of sites in peripheral areas;
4. #Mitingodiverde, covering interventions on parks, historical gardens, villas and fountains;
5. #Roma 4.0, covering the digitalization of cultural services and the development of apps for tourists;
6. #Amanotesa, aimed at increasing the supply of cultural offer to peripheries for social integration.

The investment is financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility by EUR 500 million and includes this project.
This project will rehabilitate and restore two circular archaeological structures located in a high-traffic area. It involves addressing structural damage, moisture issues, and invasive vegetation, improving accessibility and safety, and installing new technological systems and artistic lighting to enhance the site.

This project is financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility with EUR 357000. The archaeological complex consists of two large circular buildings with a green area, situated within a car park along the beltway of Via Cristoforo Colombo. The cistern is located in a public car park in an area subject to heavy vehicular traffic, which contributes to significant air pollution and vibration. Taking these conditions into account, the project includes the rehabilitation and conservative restoration of the wall structures to address the causes of moisture and water stagnation, restore collapsed wall elements, clean interior surfaces, reclaim both interior and exterior spaces, and remove invasive vegetation. Adjustments will be made to ensure accessibility and compliance with regulations on architectural barriers. The closure elements of openings will be inspected and supplemented as needed, and damaged fencing will be reinstated. The installation of technological systems and artistic lighting will enhance the building, while new signage, emergency lighting, and marked escape routes will ensure visitor safety.