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Rome’s newly appointed Colosseum director has moved quickly to dispel rumors that the ancient landmark is set to host electronic dance music parties.
Simone Quilici, who recently took charge of the Colosseum’s archaeological park, found herself setting the record straight after an interview about bringing concerts to the nearly 2,000-year-old amphitheater was widely misinterpreted.
Social media quickly publicized the initial reports, with many accounts declaring that “huge waves” were imminent, often accompanied by AI-generated images depicting vibrant light shows emanating from the historic area.
The response was intense online, Quilici told The Associated Press. Complaints were made from both archaeologists and ordinary RomansWho expressed disappointment at the alleged insult to their cherished cultural heritage.
Even electronic music fans online expressed concern over how much the pounding bass tunes would do to an ancient structure that is constantly creating new wonders, such as Emperor’s secret passage which will open on October 27,
Quilici said the Colosseum should be respected as a “sacred place” in concert, as it is an integral part of Roman identity and has become imbued with religious significance. Today, it is the site of the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) procession during Easter, It is traditionally presided over by the Pope.,
“The music must be carefully controlled. I have mentioned – not coincidentally – some artists who have not been ‘rock’ for some time, who play cool music and attract cool audiences, because the important thing is that it is not a wild crowd,” Quilici, 55, said Friday in his first interview with foreign media since taking office on Oct. 20. “I joked about rock in moderation – that’s what I meant, a more subdued type of music. But it was conveyed as contrary to my point.” Said.”
Doors will open for Sting and Gladiators
Concerts can be acoustic or jazz, he said, offering Sting as an example. The amphitheater could once host poetry readings, dance performances and theater productions The existing small platform has been expandedAlso in the plans: a historical re-evaluation of gladiatorial battles rooted in academic research.
Quilici said, “There are people who are extremely knowledgeable about daily life in past eras with a remarkable level of scientific accuracy. So these activities are very welcome in Colosseum Park.” He stressed that such productions would be in contrast to the scantily clad centurions who surround the Colosseum at night, posing for photographs with tourists and then harassing them for payment.
The Colosseum’s first concerts and performances will take place in at least two years, he said.
Only a few concerts have taken place at the Colosseum over the years, including Ray Charles in 2002, Paul McCartney in 2003, and Andrea Bocelli in 2009. All were billed as special events and audience numbers were severely restricted.
“Unfortunately, as everyone knows, tourism is a commercial activity – an industry that is not always linked to culture,” he said at the Colosseum top balcony“Bringing cultural activities into the mix will enrich the place, making it not only a destination to visit, but also a place where one can experience and enjoy artistic events.”
looking beyond the colosseum
Peering into the ruins of the amphitheater from above, the bustle of tourists is reminiscent of the cross-section of an anthill. The Colosseum had nearly 9 million visitors last year, up from 7 million the year before, according to data provided by the park.
Even in October, apart from the high tourist season of summer, the place was packed.
This is partly due to Vatican JubileeHeld once every quarter-century, it continues to attract large tourist groups of pilgrims. That’s also because the Colosseum is one of two must-see places for short-stay tourists, along with Vatican City, and “is already at maximum capacity,” Quilici said.
Herein lies the second big ambition of his tenure: to encourage tourists to go elsewhere.
The park he oversees includes not only the Colosseum but also other sites adjacent to it roman forumwhich was the heart of the ancient city’s society, and the Palatine Hill, where Rome was founded emperor’s palace Is situated.
Tickets lasting 24 hours include all three destinations. Still, a third of shoppers visit only the Colosseum, according to park statistics. If Rome is an open-air museum, as is often said, it is like getting a glimpse of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” through the crowds at the Louvre and then leaving without seeing it. Other masterpieces in the room,
“Last year, tourists in Rome not only stayed for two and a half days; their visits increased to four days. So there is also an opportunity to use the Colosseum as a starting point for exploring less visited places,” he said.
‘A bold choice’
Similarly, there are relatively few tourists visiting the neighborhood circus maximusRome’s huge high-adrenaline chariot race, depicted in the 1959 film “Ben-Hur.” The Appian Way, known as the “Queen of Roads”, is overlooked even more Becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site Last year. Its expansive paving stones provide an entry into a golden countryside that harkens back to centuries past and provides a welcome respite from the tourist-crowded center of Rome.
The Circus Maximus and the Appian Park, which were managed by the Quilici before the Colosseum, are both free to visit.
All these sites and more close to each otherAlthough somewhat disjointed – the archaeological islands are mostly separated by busy roads. Quilici hopes to create new access points to his park, as well as create connections with others, to better manage crowds and establish a cohesive area for exploration and discovery.
“This is a collective effort that requires cooperation from all the different administrations,” he said. “However, this is more a matter of management than of infrastructure costs. Choices that may sometimes be simple decisions such as limiting traffic – do not necessarily involve huge expenses, but are a bold choice to restore life in Rome city centre.”