Planning a Trip to Italy? Brace Yourself for Some Construction in Rome

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Thinking about a vacation in Italy? You might want to prepare for a bit of construction chaos in Rome. The Eternal City is undergoing extensive renovations, and it’s causing quite a buzz.

According to a report from the Independent UK on Saturday (July 13), Rome is gearing up for the Holy Year of 2025, a significant Catholic event expected to draw 32 million tourists. In anticipation, the city is investing billions of Euros to spruce up its tourist sites, transportation hubs, parks, roads, and even trash bins.

These upgrades, however, have led to traffic jams and some frustration among the locals, especially during the scorching summer months. But Mayor Roberto Gualtieri assures everyone that the inconvenience will pay off.

Currently, there are 3,200 public construction projects in progress, including 322 critical ones for the Jubilee celebrations. One notable project promises to create one of the world’s most beautiful squares near the Vatican. For context, the Vatican is an independent city-state located within Italy.

Tourists like Tom Pagano from Sacramento, California, who is visiting Rome with his family, have noticed the extensive work.

A significant part of the project involves moving a major road intersection underground. Workers are pulling night shifts to meet the December 24 deadline when Pope Francis is set to open St. Peter’s Holy Door for the Jubilee.

In the meantime, the city has replaced trams with buses to facilitate the construction of a new tram depot. Visitors arriving at the main train station are greeted by chain-link fences and dust clouds from the bus terminal’s renovation.

Popular tourist spots are also affected. The three fountains in Piazza Navona, including the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, are closed for restoration, as is the Renaissance fountain in front of the Pantheon.

So, if Rome is on your travel list, be ready for some detours and delays. While it might be a bit inconvenient now, these improvements aim to make Rome even more spectacular for future visitors. Just pack a little extra patience along with your travel gear!

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