Roman heritage in need of corporate sponsors to help restore historic sites
by Tom Anstey | 08 Jun 2016
€3m (US$3.3m, £2.3m) has been allocated towards the restoration of Trajan's Forum – a large complex named after former Roman Emperor Trajan / Shutterstock.com
Government officials in Rome are seeking €436m (US$486m, £337m) from corporate sponsors and donors to help restore historic sites in the city.
Called “100 proposals for patrons”, the campaign wants to rescue 100 cultural heritage sites within Rome lacking funding but desperately in need of restoration.
Among the sites earmarked for restoration, €10m (US$11.2m, £7.7m) will be used on 80 historic fountains, €1m (US$1.1m, £770,000) has been allocated for ancient chariot racing stadium Circus Maximus, and €3m (US$3.3m, £2.3m) has been allocated towards the restoration of Trajan's Forum – a large complex named after former Roman Emperor Trajan.
Rome is currently in debt to the tune of €12bn (US$13.4bn, £9.3bn) and despite Italy planning €1bn US$1.16bn, £790m) in cultural investments on projects across the country, Rome would need nearly half that sum just to maintain its current historical landmarks.
In addition to the €436m package, Rome will need €15m (US$17m, £11.6m) for every day maintenance of its heritage sites across the city.
“It’s unthinkable to do it alone,” said Francesco Paolo Tronca, a government-appointed official who took over from former mayor Ignazio Marino after his implication in a corruption scandal at the end of 2015. “We need to help Rome continue to be a point of reference for beauty in the world.”
Rome government Trajan heritage 100 proposals for patrons03 May 2016
Italy plans €1bn investment into culture
16 Feb 2016
UNESCO and Italy form heritage taskforce to tackle cultural destruction worldwide
06 Jan 2016
Italy's culture ministry pledges €300m to heritage sites
24 Jul 2014
Italy's over 65s lose free access to cultural attractions
Government officials in Rome are seeking €436m (US$486m, £337m) from corporate sponsors and donors to help restore historic sites in the city. Called “100 proposals for patrons”, the campaign wants to rescue 100 cultural heritage sites within Rome lacking funding but desperately in need of restoration. Among the sites earmarked for restoration, €10m (US$11.2m, £7.7m) will be used on 80 historic fountains, €1m (US$1.1m, £770,000) has been allocated for ancient
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