In a spectacular unveiling set against the backdrop of the Colosseum, Rome welcomes a new gem to its cultural crown—the Museum of the Forma Urbis. This extraordinary museum, nestled within a fresh archaeological park atop one of the city's famed seven hills, is set to open its doors on Friday. The debut marks a significant milestone for the city, as it endeavors to captivate and broaden the allure of Rome for the surging influx of tourists.
Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri expressed his excitement on this momentous occasion, stating, "This is a beautiful day. We are opening an archaeological park in an extraordinary part of the city and a new museum showcasing a masterpiece which has not been visible for about a century." The vision is clear: a city where museums and streets intertwine, inviting pedestrians to not only admire the beauty but also comprehend the transformative journey of their city.
At the heart of this endeavor is the Forma Urbis, a monumental marble map of ancient Rome, meticulously carved during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus between 203 and 211 AD. Spanning 18 by 13 meters, the map was engraved onto 150 separate slabs and originally displayed on a wall in the ancient city. Over time, it disintegrated, with sections repurposed for new constructions by locals.
Remarkably, fragments of the Forma Urbis, amounting to around 10% of the entire masterpiece, were recovered during excavations in 1562. However, these surviving pieces have not been collectively exhibited since 1924. In its new home within the Museum of the Forma Urbis, the fragments are presented on a reproduction of an 18th-century map of Rome crafted by Giovanni Battista Nolli, a surveyor celebrated for creating the first accurate street plan of the city.
The marble chunks, strategically placed on the Nolli map, provide visitors with a visual journey through time, showcasing their relation to the evolving Renaissance city. The Forma Urbis becomes a key resource for understanding the intricate layout of ancient Rome, marrying the past and present in an innovative display.
Beyond the museum's walls, the open-air park on the Caelian Hill offers a captivating experience. Walkways lined with ancient Roman grave markers and marble columns, excavated from various sites around the city, create a mesmerizing outdoor exhibit. Claudio Parisi Presicce, overseeing Rome's cultural heritage, emphasized the significance of the Caelian Hill, stating, "Today, we are finally giving it back to the city."
This ambitious 5-million-euro ($5.5 million) project is a testament to Rome's commitment to cultural preservation and urban revitalization. As the city experiences a surge in tourism post-COVID-19, the Museum of the Forma Urbis adds a compelling chapter to Rome's storied history. With the eagerly anticipated 2025 Roman Catholic Holy Year on the horizon, this unveiling is not merely a cultural triumph but also a strategic move to enchant and immerse visitors in the timeless allure of the Eternal City.
