Cash-strapped Rome issues SOS to wealthy citizens for funds to restore its historic sites

2016-05-25T12:14:00-04:00

Rome has issued a €500m (£380m) SOS to companies, wealthy philanthropists and its own citizens to help restore many of the Italian capital’s historic sites and prevent others from falling into ruin. The Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus and the walls, aqueducts and sewerage system of what was once the most powerful city on Earth have all been earmarked as needing help ranging from a relatively minor clean up to full-blown structural works.

"Saddled with debts of some €12bn, Rome cannot afford to do it on its own."

Or: in search of noblesse oblige during the age of austerity politics.

Of course, Rome isn't the only European city struggling under the weight of debt. Check out these related articles:

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Cash-strapped Rome issues SOS to wealthy citizens for funds to restore its historic sites