The Colosseum in Rome has reopened its southern corridors as a public square following a four-year restoration, giving visitors free access to a long-lost part of the ancient monument. The newly restored area was unveiled on Tuesday (17 March).
The newly accessible space, once used to channel crowds into the amphitheatre, has been transformed into an open area for both residents and tourists, marking a significant archaeological and cultural milestone.
Project architect Stefano Boeri said the intervention was designed to restore the structure’s original proportions.
“This project aims to give back to visitors the real dimension of the monument,” he said, explaining that the team reconstructed the travertine surface and the perimeter of the ancient marble-paved area.
He added that the redesigned space allows people to feel immersed in the monument while remaining outside its main structure.
The initiative followed extensive excavations that uncovered the foundations of the Colosseum’s southern external walkways.
According to Simone Quilici, director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, the reopening returns a section of the monument that had collapsed over centuries to the public.
“This is a scientific operation,” Quillici said, noting that the work began several years ago and aimed to reconnect the site with the city and its visitors.
Originally inaugurated in AD 80, the Colosseum was the largest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire, hosting gladiatorial contests, executions and animal hunts. Over time, parts of its southern side were lost due to earthquakes, natural deterioration and the reuse of building materials.
The latest restoration, funded through compensation linked to the construction of Rome’s Metro C line, included the installation of new travertine paving sourced from nearby Tivoli, echoing the materials used in antiquity. Geometric stone blocks now mark where rows of pillars once supported the vaulted corridors.
Officials expect the new square to become a lively cultural hub. Quilici suggested it could host evening events and performances during milder seasons, further integrating the historic site into modern urban life.
The reopened area is accessible without a ticket, offering visitors a new way to experience one of the world’s most visited cultural landmarks.
Millions of mourners are expected to line the streets of Tehran on Monday for the funeral procession of Iran's slain former supreme leader, Ali Khame...
A Russian drone strike has damaged a SOCAR fuel station in southern Ukraine, as both Russia and Ukraine reported new attacks on energy infrastructure ...
Australia and Fiji signed a landmark defence alliance on Monday, committing each country to come to the other's aid if either is attacked. The Ocean o...
More than 100 people were detained in Ankara on Sunday (5 July) after taking part in an anti-NATO protest organised by the Communist Party of Türkiye...
The death toll from Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes has risen to 3,342, according to the country's information ministry, as rescue teams cont...
Millions of mourners are expected to line the streets of Tehran on Monday for the funeral procession of Iran's slain former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, as part of a week-long farewell. His son and designated successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has yet to make a public appearance.
A Russian drone strike has damaged a SOCAR fuel station in southern Ukraine, as both Russia and Ukraine reported new attacks on energy infrastructure and other targets.
More than 100 people were detained in Ankara on Sunday (5 July) after taking part in an anti-NATO protest organised by the Communist Party of Türkiye (TKP), according to the party.
The death toll from Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes has risen to 3,342, according to the country's information ministry, as rescue teams continue searching affected areas and survivors face an uncertain recovery.
Russia's Defence Ministry has said its forces are clearing the town of Lyman in Donetsk of Ukrainian forces, Moscow's state news agency Tass reported. Meanwhile, Russian attacks killed at least six people across three Ukrainian regions on Friday, regional officials said.
President Donald Trump said Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, claiming Washington had paused engagement to allow funeral ceremonies for late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Governments are tightening restrictions on teenagers’ use of social media amid growing concerns over mental health, online safety and platform design, but questions remain over enforcement and whether bans can meaningfully change behaviour.
Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran on Sunday as Iran held funeral prayers for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and four members of his family on the second day of mass processions. Three of Khamenei's sons attended the ceremony, while his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, made no public appearance.
Scotland produced a polished seven-try performance to defeat Argentina 47-38 in a high-scoring Nations Championship opener on Saturday.
Tourism operators in eastern Latvia say repeated incursions by stray military drones linked to the war in Ukraine are driving visitors away from one of the country's most popular summer destinations, threatening hundreds of small businesses that rely on seasonal trade.
TUI has reported sustained demand for holidays despite the Iran war, as the world’s biggest travel company posted lower-than-expected quarterly losses and said bookings for the second half of the year remained strong.
Travellers worried about costs and flights by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are changing their summer holiday plans, with lastminute bookings, safer destinations such as Spain, and rail travel all growing in popularity.
A Turkish Airlines plane caught fire in its landing gear tyres after landing at Tribhuvan International Airport on Monday (11 May) morning, temporarily disrupting airport operations, officials said.
ITA Airways is preparing to raise ticket prices by between 5% and 10% this year as soaring fuel costs linked to the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the U.S. continue to pressure airlines worldwide.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment