Caput Mundi: Restoration and consolidation of the stone coverings on the Palazzo dei Congressi in the 1942 Expo Rome district

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 focuses on the conservative restoration and enhancement of the Monte del Grano Mausoleum. Key interventions include ensuring proper waterproofing and insulation of the upper area with a new roof to protect the structure. Additionally, both the internal entrance corridor and the mausoleum's exterior will receive enhanced lighting to improve visibility and highlight its architectural features. This project is financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility with EUR 950000EUR S.p.A. is the owner of a precious architectural heritage made up of rationalist buildings with exceptional historical-architectural value. These buildings, built for the Expo of Rome in 1942 and completed in the 1950s, are characterised by an external cladding of stone slabs. However, due to exposure to the elements and lack of adequate maintenance, the façades have suffered progressive deterioration to their wall facings and fastening systems.
The situation is particularly worrying since the slabs show signs of instability, increasing the risk of detachment and falling. EUR S.p.A. has thus undertaken immediate inspections, investigations, and interventions to better secure the façades of its historic buildings.
One of the buildings involved is the Palazzo dei Congressi, designed by architect Adalberto Libera. Together with the Nuvola building, it is an important conference centre and venue for events in Rome with high tourist potential.
A systematic mapping of all the slabs on the buildings has revealed that the stone cladding has not adhered correctly to the wall supports beneath it, compromising the stability of the slabs.
In conclusion, the interventions by EUR S.p.A. for the restoration and securing of these historic buildings are essential to preserve their historical value and ensure the safety of staff and visitors.