Bulgari funds €1M to open Rome's Largo Argentina archaeological site

Largo Argentina's Sacred Area, one of Rome's most important ancient complexes, will become accessible to the public for the first time since its 1920s discovery, thanks to a €1 million donation from Bulgari. Work begins by mid-May 2021, with completion expected in one year. The project includes elevated walkways for safe immersion among the ruins, LED night lighting, restoration of archaeological remains, and an elevator for disabled access. The site features four Republican-era temples (3rd–2nd century BC), the tufa base of Pompey's Curia where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC, and medieval structures. Bulgari's involvement continues a public-private partnership model: in 2019 the company signed a €500,000 agreement for the area, plus residual funds from a 2014 contract for the Trinità dei Monti staircase restoration (€485,593.58). The contract was awarded by the Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali to Impresa Biagioli S.r.l. Fendi similarly completed a €2.5 million restoration of the Temple of Venus in Rome. The visit will start from the Torre del Papito, housing ticketing and an exhibition space, then proceed via vertical and horizontal paths through the archaeological area. An outdoor elevator will ensure universal accessibility. Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari Group, stated the project will return the site to the center of Rome's cultural life. Assessora Lorenza Fruci emphasized the importance of reopening such places for citizens and tourists.