Rome's €250m Cinecittà World theme park opens later this month
by Tom Anstey | 15 Jul 2014
Cinecittà has produced films including Ben Hur, Cleopatra, La Dolce Vita, The English Patient, Life is Beautiful, and Gangs of New York / Cinecittà World
Rome’s long-awaited €250m, (US$340m, £198m) Cinecittà World theme park – designed by multiple-Oscar-winning production designer designer Dante Ferretti – will finally open its doors to the public on 24 July after a decade of delays.
Conceived as Italy’s take on Universal Studios, Cinecittà World comprises 20 attractions, including roller coasters, dark rides and a flight simulator.
Incorporating elements of science fiction, Bollywood, spaghetti westerns and many other themes from more than 3,000 films and TV shows produced at the famed Cinecittà studios, Cinecittà World is located on 400 acres in Castel Romano south of Rome.
Italian Entertainment Group (IEG) is the private holding company behind the venture, which includes names such as producer Aurelio De Laurentiis and fashion entrepreneur Diego Della Valle behind the project.
The park also includes themed restaurants, film sets and theatres in an attempt to lure tourists to the new visitor attraction.
IEG Chairman Luigi Abete said the company planned to invest a further €250m (US$340m, £198m) in the project and create a total of 2,500 new jobs.
Cinecittà, which was once known as "Hollywood on the Tiber", has produced some of the best known films in Italian, British, and American cinema, including Ben Hur, Cleopatra, La Dolce Vita, The English Patient, Life is Beautiful, and Gangs of New York.
Theme parks across Europe have made a record investment in new rides and attractions for 2014, with Cinecittà one of three new parks to open across the continent this year.
Rome’s long-awaited €250m, (US$340m, £198m) Cinecittà World theme park – designed by multiple-Oscar-winning production designer designer Dante Ferretti – will finally open its doors to the public on 24 July after a decade of delays. Conceived as Italy’s take on Universal Studios, Cinecittà World comprises 20 attractions, including roller coasters, dark rides and a flight simulator. Incorporating elements of science fiction, Bollywood, spaghetti westerns and many other themes from more
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