Rome's iconic sites 'wrapped' as renovations stall tourism
A list of monuments tourists will not currently see in Rome is circulating on social media. This is due to ongoing renovation works as part of preparations for the Holy Year. The symbols of the Eternal City are fenced off and covered due to the construction.
The level of irritation in Rome is growing by the day. Tourists from abroad and from Italy are disappointed when they visit the Eternal City only to find its iconic landmarks "wrapped" - a phrase that has been circulating online for weeks.
Scaffolding instead of monuments
Everywhere you go, there are barriers, fences, scaffolding, closed streets, and signs indicating no entry. Tourists often comment upon arrival that this is the worst time they could have chosen to visit Rome.
There are currently over 6,000 renovations underway in the city, including those of monuments, at various scales. It is unclear whether they will all be completed by Pope Francis's inauguration of the Holy Year, which will take place on 24th December. About 30 million pilgrims and tourists are expected for this occasion next year.
Piazza Venezia has become a massive construction site for a new underground station, around which crowds of Romans and tourists squeeze through narrow passages. Tall green silos and cranes obscure the view of the Altare della Patria. These works also significantly hinder Via dei Fori Imperiali access, leading to the Colosseum.
Scaffolding and fences obscure Bernini's fountain at Piazza Navona. Access to the Trevi Fountain has also been closed, and the fountain has no water due to ongoing conservation work.
The Baroque monument has been fenced off with transparent panels. The latest addition is a viewing platform from which visitors can admire the fountain - coins can still be tossed into a small pool set up below.
