(Finance) – Starting from the month of June an elevation system located inside the arch XXVII of the will be open to the public
Colosseumwhich will allow all Park visitors to reach the highest levels of the cavea, in particular the gallery located between the II and III orders, to fully enjoy the beauty of the most famous monument in the world.
Since its inception the The Colosseum Archaeological Park has included the theme of physical, cultural and cognitive accessibility in its mission, striving to welcome all the public with adequate aids for the visita (signposts, tactile maps, easy to read guides) and obviously with routes capable of overcoming differences in height. As part of this goal the park has further expanded the already extended usability of the Colosseum, inaugurating an elevator which guarantees all visitors, with greater attention to those with mobility difficulties, to overcome the 100 steep steps that separate the 1st order from the intermediate galleryenjoying a unique view of the entire monument.
The lift was born from synergy between the Park and the Italian Cinema Orchestra, protagonist in 2018 of an event aimed at the eradication of polio in the world. On that occasion the film “Gladiator” by Ridley Scott was screened in the arena of the Flavian Amphitheater, in the presence of Russel Crowe with the famous music by Hans Zimmer performed live. Marco Patrignani, President of the Orchestra, also undertook to sponsor the new lift on that occasion.
Made in full compliance with the indications of the Park and current regulations, thelift is in line with the specificity of the place and fits harmoniously into the monument, reducing the occupation of space to a minimum and in absolute respect of the existing masonrythanks to the use of pressure anchor points which guarantee the total reversibility of the work.
The construction of the lift allows everyone, without any exclusion, to reach the gallery between the 2nd and 3rd levels, which has been returned to use after careful restoration work, with conservation and safety purposes. A space today fully perceptible in its long history also thanks to an evocative and targeted lighting system that enhances the structures, plastered surfaces and graffiti, and to an educational set-up aimed at an effective visitor experience.
The ribbon cutting took place atthe presence of the Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano and it was preceded by a special performance by the Italian Cinema Orchestra which performed on the unforgettable notes of the Oscar winner Hans Zimmer.
“From today the Colosseum is even more a World Heritage Site, accessible to all up to the third tier from which it is possible to admire the magnificence of an extraordinary monument, a work of the Roman world without equal in the world. Thanks to this creation, citizens and tourists will have a further opportunity to be able to enjoy, without impediments, a visit as easy as possible to the Flavian Amphitheater, in the name of a truly inclusive culture”, declared Minister Sangiuliano.
“The Colosseum is a World Heritage Site and as such its social and humanitarian role is important – declared the Director of the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum Alfonsina Russo – I thank Marco Patrignani and the Italian Cinema Orchestra, because they are committed to creating a system that puts into practice a fundamental principle, namely that culture is and must increasingly be a right from which no one should feel excluded. One of the priority objectives that has always characterized the activity of the PArCo is that of both cultural and physical accessibility, with paths equipped for all types of public. From today, thanks to the new lift, it will be possible for all visitors to enjoy a highly evocative view of the skies of Rome”.
“I would never have thought, being a man who deals with music and cinema, of personally following the construction of a new lift at the Colosseum, from the design phase to its inauguration” – he admits Marco Patrignani. “5 long years to ensure that a mighty iron and crystal structure could give joy to millions of visitors from all over the world. It is as if it had been built with the power of emotions and dreams, which seem ethereal but are instead very powerful “.
The work was carried out by: Metal Working for the metal structures, Ahrcos for the building works and Maspero Elevatori for the construction of the lift cabin.