Wanted in Rome
10 Mar, 2021
Traffic restrictions programmed for 14 March to battle air pollution in Rome.
Rome motorists will be prohibited from driving within the
fascia verde (green belt) on
Sunday 14 March from
16.30 until 20.30.
The
traffic restrictions are designed to curb air pollution in the capital, in what is the fourth and final edition of the so-called
domeniche ecologiche (Ecological Sundays).
Only the
least polluting vehicles will be allowed on the roads, such as those powered by GPL and methane, as well as electric, hybrid and Euro 6 cars.
In addition,
police will be limiting the flow of crowds this weekend, due to covid-19, on shopping streets in the centre, in Trastevere and Campo de Fiori, as well as in the Ostia coastal area.
Lucius Ceius Secundus´s house, the “
Casa dei Ceii ” (House of the Ceii), was first uncovered in 1913–14, but subsequent neglect has caused the one time blazingly colorful fresco to fade. However, now, this exceptional ancient artwork has been restored and protected.
The restoration experts carefully retouched the painted areas of the Pompeii fresco that had been degraded over time, and damaged areas were cleaned with a special laser. And to protect the fresco from future damage from rainwater, special protective measures have also been taken.
Vibrant hunting scene on the restored fresco. (
)
The vibrant hunting scenes were painted around 20-10 BC in what is known as the “Third” or “Ornate” Pompeii style. On the main section of the painting a lion pursues a bull while a leopard pounces on sheep, and a wild boar attacks a herd of deer. A
Image: Gabriela Covaci
We’ve all heard the phrase, “when in Rome.” But in the 1960s the most scintillating action was 114km away, on an island you’ve probably never heard of.
Introducing: Zannone. Also known as Italy’s hidden ‘orgy island.’ Sitting off the coast between Roma and Naples, it was once a licentious destination for the rich and famous.
Zannone is part of the cluster of Pontine Islands. It was leased from the Italian government by a Roman aristocrat – Marquis Camillo Casati Stampa di Soncino – and his actress wife – Anna Fallarino – in the 1960s.
They stayed in a villa built in the 1930s, passed from one noble family to the next.
Still Standing after 2000 Years of Turmoil
After Augustus’ massive ancient tomb had become a castle and military look-out, Roman elites used it to host lavish parties. According to an article in
The Daily Mail it became “a hanging garden and then an auditorium for bullfighting and firework displays.” It was repurposed for concerts and operas before Benito Mussolini , Italian prime minister from 1922 to 43 and the first of 20th-century Europe s fascist dictators, ordered it to be dismantled.
Latterly, nature reclaimed the site and trees began growing through the floors and walls, and the public had treated it as a dumping site for many years. So, fourteen years ago Italian authorities closed it down. Now, after a three-year-long restoration project, and a costly one at that, the massive tomb is set to reopen in March 2021.