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Italian Ministry Blocks Via dei Fori Imperiali Redevelopment

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-27

Italy's Ministry of Culture, led by Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, has halted the CARME project for the redevelopment of Via dei Fori Imperiali in Rome. The project, initiated by Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and led by Walter Tocci, aimed to transform the fascist-era roadway into pedestrian-friendly public spaces with contemporary art installations, ahead of the 2025 Jubilee and potential Expo 2030. Sangiuliano ordered no changes to the road's layout or sidewalks, and banned contemporary art, arguing it should be placed elsewhere. The decision has been criticized as ideologically motivated to preserve Mussolini's legacy. The CARME project, presented in late 2022, was partially funded by PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) funds approved in June 2023. Critics, including Giovanni Caudo, president of Rome's PNRR commission, argue the move contradicts the original intent of the funding and suggest restoring car traffic if no changes are allowed. The article is an opinion piece by Massimiliano Tonelli on Artribune.

Key facts

  • Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano blocked the CARME redevelopment project for Via dei Fori Imperiali on August 2, 2023.
  • The CARME project was led by Walter Tocci and aimed to create pedestrian plazas, improve archaeological access, and add contemporary art.
  • The project was presented in late 2022 and partially funded by PNRR funds for the 2025 Jubilee.
  • Sangiuliano prohibited any modifications to the road, including sidewalks, and banned contemporary art from the area.
  • The decision is seen as preserving the fascist-era design of the road built under Mussolini.
  • Giovanni Caudo suggested restoring car traffic if no changes are allowed.
  • The original road was built by the Fascist regime to connect the Colosseum to Piazza Venezia.
  • Former Mayor Ignazio Marino had pedestrianized the road.

Entities

Institutions

  • Ministero della Cultura
  • Comune di Roma
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Rome
  • Italy
  • Via dei Fori Imperiali
  • Colosseum
  • Piazza Venezia

Sources