New travertine paving at the Colosseum sparks debate
A project aimed at restoring the Colosseum in Rome has introduced new travertine paving in the southern ambulatories to enhance the area's clarity, which has been obscured over the centuries by spoliation, demolitions, and earthquakes. Initiated in 2022, this effort seeks to unveil a previously off-limits pedestrian zone, thereby broadening visitor pathways. The corridors, which collapsed during the 6th–7th century, were examined by archaeologists who removed modern cobblestones to uncover the original paving level. Backed by the Ministry of Culture, the initiative employs compatible materials and reversible techniques, prioritizing scientific accuracy over aesthetic appeal. Additionally, travertine block benches are being added, raising discussions about the visibility of the underlying structures.
Key facts
- New travertine paving installed in the southern ambulatories of the Colosseum.
- Restoration aims to restore legibility of the space lost to spoliation, demolitions, and earthquakes.
- Investigations began in 2022.
- Project opens a previously inaccessible pedestrian area and expands visitor routes.
- Collapse of corridors occurred from the 6th–7th century onward.
- Modern cobblestones were removed to reveal original paving levels.
- Funded by the Ministry of Culture under 'Interventions for the protection of Piazza del Colosseo'.
- Materials use natural lime without cement; intervention is reversible.
Entities
Institutions
- Parco Archeologico del Colosseo
- Ministero della Cultura
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Colosseum
- Piazza del Colosseo
- Via di San Gregorio
- Via Celio Vibenna
- Via dei Fori Imperiali