Rome's famed 2000-year-old pyramid
has been restored to its gleaming white ancient glory following
a two-million-euro project.
The Egyptian-style pyramid-shaped tomb of Gaius Cestius, an
Augustan era general, reopened to the public this week following
an extensive restoration initiated in March 2013.
Japanese fashion mogul Yuzo Yagi who funded the project
said "It is extraordinary to return it to the white city like
[it was] two thousand years ago. It was a great job with an
incredible team led by two women", referring to Rita Paris and
Maria Grazia Filetici, Italy's archaeological superintendency
directors who oversaw the project.
The 120 foot-high pyramid, according to Paris, was
constructed in 330 days, made of white Carrara marble. The 21st
century restoration of the 2000-year-old tomb took a cumulative
327 days, 75 days less than projected.
Yagi donated two million euros to the innovative internal
and external restoration that required a mix of traditional and
non-tradition conservation in areas such as vegetation removal,
marble façade protection, marble panel stabilization and damage
prevention, and a handicap-accessible entrance ramp.
The restoration was much needed after centuries of wear and
tear, which included, as Paris detailed, the tomb's
incorporation into the 3rd century AD walls, looting in the
Middle Ages, mid-17th century restoration, and use as a meeting
spot in the 19th century.
Present at the invitation-only inauguration was Umberto
Vattani, president of the Italy-Japan Foundation, cultural and
foreign affairs undersecretaries Francesca Barracciu and
Benedetto Della Vedova, Rome Cultural Heritage superintendent
Francesco Prosperetti, and Rome Mayor Ignazio Marino.
Barracciu said that the restoration was "a brilliant best
practice that strengthens our belief that the public and private
collaboration is a way to go again with more determination. And
since last July's Art Bonus, we are very confident ".
When asked if Yagi would finance future heritage projects
in Italy, the fashion mogul said "we have a long list of aid to
Japan, for the tsunami-affected areas. But I would be happy to
return in the coming years".
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