Caput Mundi: Conservative restoration of the Southern Hemicycle of the Circus Maximus - Rome

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.
he project involves excavation, analysis, restoration, consolidation, and securing of an important archaeological complex, along with the installation of lighting and drainage systems. Excavations will reveal hidden structures and improve understanding of the site’s layout and history. Ultimately, these interventions aim to preserve and enhance the site’s stability, appearance, and visitor experience. This project is financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility with EUR 1190000. Overall, the project for the recovery and enhancement of the archaeological complex involves excavation, analysis, restoration, consolidation, and securing of structures. Appropriate lighting systems and, if necessary, drainage works will be installed. The result will be the recovery and enhancement of an important archaeological heritage, offering the public an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the history and beauty of the complex. The initial work will involve excavating the rooms currently covered by soil in order to reveal the underlying structures and understand their layout and organization. The excavation will be followed by a thorough analysis of the structures found, providing valuable information about the history and function of the complex. Next, restoration, consolidation, and securing of the archaeological environments will be carried out. These interventions aim to preserve the structures in the long term, ensuring their stability and conservation. Structural consolidation and restoration measures will be taken to restore the integrity of areas currently supported or covered. Regarding the systems, a lighting system will be installed to highlight the archaeological structures. If necessary, drainage works will be constructed to manage the water table and prevent moisture or seepage issues that could damage the structures. Another intervention will involve surface excavation of the sector of the hemicycle located between the two already visible structures. This excavation will provide a better understanding of the construction continuity and relationship between the various parts of the archaeological complex. Finally, restoration and consolidation of the structures currently visible in the hemicycle on the Aventine side will be carried out, aiming to restore the structures to their former glory and ensure their proper enjoyment by visitors.