The idea of reconstructing the Colosseum’s arena had originated with archaeologist Daniele Manacorda in 2014. The suggestion had aroused controversy and perplexity at the time. Still, the desire to return to the UNESCO World Heritage Site its arena – as it appeared in the nineteenth-century illustrations – was supported by the Minister for Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, Dario Franceschini. He had included the Strategic Plan Major Cultural Projects intervention in 2015, for total funding of 18.5 million euros.

The construction site’s announcement was followed by the publication of a call for tenders by Invitalia for the assignment of the services of final and executive design and safety coordination, with a short deadline by next February 1, and with the shared goal of starting the construction work by 2021.

The intervention provides for the restoration of the integral reading of the monument. It will allow the public to fully understand the use and enjoyment of this icon of ancient Rome, thanks to technological and integrated solutions that will guide the visitor. The new arena’s plan should be designed a mechanized device that allows the opening and closing of the same several times a day, allowing visitors to understand the synergy and close relationship with the underground.

“The reconstruction of the Colosseum arena is a great idea, which has been around the world,” says Minister Franceschini. “It will be a great technological intervention that will offer the possibility for visitors to see not only, as today, the undergrounds, but to contemplate the beauty of the Colosseum from the centre of the arena.”

Opening image: Colosseum, Rome, Italy. Photo Ahmed Rasheed via unsplash