Reason #5377 to love Rome: Rome wasn’t (re)built in a day…

Colosseo, RomeI’ve lived in Rome for the past (gulp!) fifteen years.

Not surprisingly, as soon as I landed here, I insisted on living near the Colosseum. We Americans are always fascinated by European history.

We grew up going on tours where we’re told something is ‘really old’  if it was built 100 years ago, so imagine how thrilled I was walking by the two-thousand-year-old Colosseum each day.

Since I pass by these impressive marble arches every day, I’ve been watching the scaffolding slowly covering it up.

Yes, after two millennia it’s apparently time for a face lift.

Colosseo, RomeCracks showed up on the Colosseum after the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake. The 2012 Roman snow – and the resulting ice – led to pieces of its facade crumbling.

The renovation has been talked about for some time, but it’s finally getting underway. On my early morning walks past the ancient site of gladiatorial battles, I’ve watched the workmen slowly build a metal sheath around it.

Of course, I’m sad to see portions of my favorite monument covered up, but a city like Rome, with its dizzying array of ancient monuments, requires constant upkeep.

I may be sad to see the scaffolding go up, but I’m always thrilled to see the end results.

So it will be with the Colosseum.

Maintaining the caput mundi of Ancient Rome requires a lot of work.

After all, Rome wasn’t (re)built in a day…

5 Comments

  1. Victor Tribunsky on October 14, 2014 at 9:57 am

    Very short, but still beautiful post.
    I also love Europe at all, and Italy (and Rome) in particular. In two months, I will be in Rome again, and I am very glad.

  2. kimberlysullivan on October 14, 2014 at 10:20 pm

    Bentornato a Roma, Victor. Rome isn’t only for the Romans, but all the foreigners who love it. Hoping you’ll enjoy your trip!

  3. evelyneholingue on October 15, 2014 at 12:51 am

    You’re so lucky to live near such a monument, Kimberly. Even for the French I am, Roma and Italy at large, captured my heart the first time I went. I was lucky to live close enough to return several times. Like you say, Roma wasn’t rebuild in a day, so the work will probably last for a while. Perfect occasion for you to take photos and share on your blog!

    • kimberlysullivan on October 15, 2014 at 8:11 am

      So glad you love Rome, too. As I’ve said before, Italy and France are my two favorite countries. Both are so incredibly beautiful, with rich cultures and traditions, and distinct regional characters. Oh, and the amazing food and wine don’t hurt either. : )

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