Publications
Exploring the transnational-heritage assemblage: the Ara Pacis Museum and the historic city centre of Rome
A study of the Ara Pacis Museum in Rome, designed by Richard Meier and completed in 2006, reveals how multiple heritage dimensions shape urban development within historic sites. The research applies Assemblage Theory and Actor-Network Theory to analyze the socio-material interactions influencing the project's contentious trajectory. It highlights the challenges of contextualizing modern architecture in transnational heritage assemblages, emphasizing the need for frameworks that recognize the complex interplay between human and non-human actants. This approach offers new insights into heritage conservation practices and urban planning, particularly in culturally significant areas like Rome's historic center.
Multifunctional Polymeric Coatings for Stone Heritage: Hydrophobic–Antimicrobial Mechanisms and Field Performance
Multifunctional polymeric coatings, designed to combine hydrophobic and antimicrobial properties, show promise in protecting stone heritage but face significant challenges in long-term real-world performance. Studies from 2021 to 2026 reveal that while these coatings initially exhibit biocidal efficacy and hydrophobic behavior, their effectiveness declines within one to two years due to environmental factors such as UV exposure, particulate deposition, and chemical changes on the surface. This decline leads to increased wettability and reduced protective efficiency. Substrate porosity plays a crucial role in durability and visual compatibility, with treatments often reshaping microbial communities by favoring stress-tolerant meristematic fungi. Regulatory pressures on fluorinated compounds are driving the development of more sustainable alternatives, such as stimuli-responsive systems, self-healing materials, slippery interfaces, and precision polymer architectures. Future progress hinges on tailoring formulations to major lithotypes, improving compatibility with porous substrates, and validating performance through standardized accelerated aging and multi-year field trials.
Rome (un)changing: persistence and peculiarities of its population
Rome's population dynamics reveal a delayed transition to demographic decline compared to national trends, with international migration offsetting natural decrease. As of 2025, Rome's aging profile mirrors Italy's but stands out due to its low child population and high internationalization. The study, combining long-run census data and annual population stocks, highlights extreme heterogeneity among Rome's 15 administrative subdivisions, where peripheral areas grow while the historic center declines. Migration patterns—positive for international but variable for internal mobility—play a pivotal role in shaping these shifts.
The Aniene River: an ecological and cultural corridor between the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Rome and Tivoli
The Aniene River serves as a vital ecocultural corridor linking UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rome and Tivoli, offering a model for integrated conservation. This study identifies the river as a strategic node—particularly the Lunghezza and del Cavaliere estates—that can restore ecological and settlement continuities while valorizing diffuse heritage. By analyzing five dimensions (morphological, ecological, cultural, managerial, narrative), the research proposes an operational framework to reconcile protection policies with planning instruments like UNESCO Management Plans and the Aniene Nature Reserve. It highlights how urbanization, transport infrastructure, and industrial decline have fragmented the landscape but suggests participatory governance and slow mobility as solutions for reconnecting disparate territories. The corridor emerges as a replicable laboratory for advanced peri-urban cultural landscape management.
The Theater of Marvels: Reorganizing the Campus Lateranensis through Sistine Curial Ceremony
Pope Sixtus V's urban transformation of the Campus Lateranensis, documented through curial ceremonies and architectural interventions, reveals a strategic effort to centralize papal authority. The study highlights the relocation of an ancient obelisk from the Circus Maximus to the Lateran Basilica, symbolizing papal dominance over Rome's ecclesiastical governance. Demolitions, including the Torre degli Annibaldi and surrounding structures, cleared space for the grand Palazzo Apostolico, designed to accommodate curial functions and reinforce papal presence. The research draws on primary sources like Paolo Alaleone de Branca's diary and Fontana's accounts, analyzing urban planning, ceremonial rituals, and architectural innovations that reshaped the Lateran landscape, mirroring earlier models such as the Palazzo Farnese.
A “Street Tree” Master Plan for the Strategic Management of Linear Reforestation and Urban Landscape Enhancement in Rome, Italy
Rome's Street Tree Master Plan (STMP) demonstrates that strategic management of urban street trees can enhance biodiversity, mitigate climate impacts, and preserve historical landscapes. The study reveals that effective STMPs require a balance between ecological needs—such as air pollution reduction and stormwater drainage—and cultural heritage considerations, particularly in cities with complex urban forms like Rome. Using GIS-based spatial analysis and a comprehensive tree census, the plan classifies streets by their functional role (e.g., aesthetic vs. ecological) to guide interventions like maintenance, replacement of aging trees, or new plantings. Comparative insights from global STMPs suggest that historical and spatial context should be integral to urban reforestation strategies in heritage-rich cities.
Hourly impact of urban forests on land surface temperature based on machine learning
Machine learning reveals that urban forests in Rome, particularly those with midday canopy heights under 6 meters and afternoon cohesion around 70–95%, provide the most effective cooling against urban heat island (UHI) effects. Using ECOSTRESS thermal imagery from 12 clear-sky summer scenes, researchers analyzed vegetation-structure impacts on land surface temperature (LST) with random forest models, identifying nonlinear thresholds for optimal cooling. These findings offer structure-informed greening strategies tailored to heritage cities with limited space, bridging the gap in hourly and morphology-dependent UHI mitigation research.
Non-Invasive Chemical Analyses on Byzantine Copper Alloy Doors in 11th and 12th Century Italy
A groundbreaking analysis of Byzantine copper alloy doors from the 11th and 12th centuries in Italy reveals three distinct alloying groups, challenging assumptions about workshop uniformity. Using non-invasive X-ray fluorescence (XRF), researchers identified leaded bronze, leaded brass, and quaternary alloys across eight doors, suggesting diverse metallurgical practices in Byzantine workshops. This finding complicates the association of specific alloys with single workshops or regions, while historical records and inscriptions provide additional dating clues. The study also introduces previously unpublished color illustrations of the Montecassino door's decorated backs, offering new insights into Byzantine craftsmanship and production processes.
Re-appraisal of the seismic history of the city of Rome (Italy): new intensity assessments and unresolved issues
A re-evaluation of Rome's seismic history reveals that the city has rarely experienced earthquake damage exceeding intensity degree 6 on both the EMS-98 and MCS scales, contrary to previous assessments. The study analyzed approximately 500 historical damage reports, georeferenced them onto maps of Rome, and found that nearly all seismic impacts were confined to the historic center, not the broader urban area. This suggests that Rome's seismic history is primarily representative of its ancient core rather than its current extent, which has expanded significantly over time. The research also highlights unresolved challenges in estimating intensities in large urban centers and assessing the homogeneity of seismic records in rapidly expanding cities.
Revaluating CUNA Places (CUltural Place of High Relevance for NAture): Rome as a Multifaced Example of Outstanding Values and Potentials
Rome, with its rich historical heritage and outstanding natural values, exemplifies the concept of CUNA places—cultural places of high relevance for nature. This study introduces a methodological framework to identify and typify such places based on their values, attributes, and significance, proposing 16 categories that encompass both tangible and intangible heritage. The research builds upon UNESCO's 'mixed properties' definition, offering a tool to enhance heritage valorization, strengthen territorial identity, promote sustainable development, and generate income for conservation efforts. A preliminary application in Rome demonstrates the multifaceted aspects of CUNA places, highlighting their potential for broader implementation.
Richard Wittman, Ricostruire la Chiesa. San Paolo fuori le mura nella Roma dell’Ottocento, 2023
Richard Wittman's Ricostruire la Chiesa offers a detailed examination of the reconstruction of San Paolo fuori le Mura during 19th-century Rome, revealing how architectural restoration intersected with religious and political narratives. The study highlights the basilica's transformation from a medieval structure to its neoclassical form, emphasizing the role of ecclesiastical authority in shaping urban heritage. Wittman's approach combines archival research with architectural analysis, providing insights into the conservation challenges and ideological motivations behind the reconstruction. This work contributes significantly to the understanding of how World Heritage Sites navigate cultural preservation amid historical and political pressures.
Walkability as a Catalyst for More Sustainable Mobility Patterns and Urban Rehabilitation in Rome
Urban regeneration efforts in Rome demonstrate that walkability can significantly increase over time, particularly in districts undergoing targeted rehabilitation. A composite index methodology combining 12 indicators—ranging from urban functions and use to safety, urbanity, and attractiveness—was developed to quantify walkability on a 0 to 1 scale. Applied across three distinct Roman districts with varying characteristics, this approach revealed that areas with enhanced social activities, landmarks, and pedestrian appeal saw measurable improvements in walkability scores. The study underscores the potential of walkability as a catalyst for sustainable mobility patterns, even in car-centric environments, while addressing methodological challenges in assessing such factors in less attractive urban settings.
“A Portent, beyond Statues Sweating Blood in the Forum …”
A devastating fire that destroyed the basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura in July 1823 is reconstructed through historical and archival analysis, revealing its profound impact on Roman society. The study highlights how the event was perceived as a portent, triggering widespread despair and introspection. By examining contemporary responses, religious symbolism, and architectural significance, the research sheds light on the cultural and emotional repercussions of the disaster. This approach combines historical documentation with interpretive analysis to contextualize the fire's legacy within Rome's heritage.
Archaeological Prospection and Site Monitoring with Medium to Very High Resolution SAR Imagery: Case Studies in Rome (Italy)
Advanced remote sensing techniques, specifically medium to very high resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, demonstrate significant potential for both archaeological prospection and the monitoring of cultural heritage sites. The study highlights that SAR data from satellites like RADARSAT-2, Sentinel-1, ALOS-1, and COSMO-SkyMed can effectively detect crop marks associated with buried or subsurface archaeological features in Ostia-Portus, Italy. Additionally, it showcases the use of parallelized Small BAseline Subset (SBAS) Interferometric SAR (InSAR) to monitor the stability of cultural heritage assets within Rome's UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing a robust method for preserving such significant locations.
Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Urban Resilience, and Sustainable Development. Comparative Analysis of the Strategies of Athens and Rome
Cultural and heritage tourism serves as a catalyst for urban resilience and sustainable development, particularly in historic cities like Athens and Rome. This study demonstrates that such tourism can effectively contribute to overcoming challenges posed by tourist influxes, thereby fostering resilience and sustainability. The research employs a comparative methodology, analyzing the resilience strategies of Athens and Rome within the 100 Resilient Cities Network framework. By examining objectives, actions, and sub-actions, it reveals how these cities leverage cultural heritage tourism to enhance urban resilience. This finding underscores the potential of heritage tourism as a strategic resource for sustainable urban growth.
Effect of Cultural Heritage on Tourism Development in Italy
Italy's cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Colosseum and the Vatican, significantly drives its tourism development. This study reveals that Italy's rich history, art, architecture, and traditions attract millions of visitors annually to cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice. These sites not only boost the tourism industry but also support local economies while preserving historical landmarks. The research employed a desk methodology, analyzing existing published studies and reports accessible through online journals and libraries. Practical measures like visitor quotas, dynamic pricing, and timed entry tickets are suggested to regulate tourist flow at high-traffic cultural heritage sites. Policymakers are encouraged to develop sustainable tourism frameworks that balance economic growth with cultural heritage preservation.
From the Periphery to the Centre – Beyond the Traditional Destination Experiences
A more comprehensive understanding of urban destinations, such as historic cities, is achieved by exploring both their centers and peripheries. This study highlights that tourists who engage with the periphery—often overlooked areas characterized by inequalities or marginalization—gain deeper empathy and awareness of a destination's multifaceted layers. Using Rome as a case study, researchers compared central and peripheral zones in terms of socioeconomic conditions, urban maintenance, and demographic composition (e.g., native vs. migrant populations). The findings suggest that structured tourist routes integrating peripheral areas can foster a more holistic and reflective visitor experience, moving beyond traditional destination narratives. This approach not only enriches tourism but also encourages visitors to recognize and appreciate the complexities of historic sites.
Introduction. Rebuilding St. Paul’s Outside the Walls
The historic site of San Paolo fuori le Mura, one of Rome's most significant pilgrimage centers alongside St. Peter’s, traces its origins to the martyrdom and burial of St. Paul the Apostle between 65 and 67 CE along the via Ostiense. Initial veneration led to the construction of a modest basilica under Emperor Constantine around 313 CE, which was later replaced by a grander structure in 384–386 CE sponsored by co-emperors Theodosius I, Valentinian II, and Arcadius. This monumental church, consecrated early in the fifth century, endured for over fourteen centuries as a cornerstone of Christendom. The study reconstructs this architectural and historical evolution, highlighting its enduring significance in religious and cultural history.
Passive strategies for climate change mitigation in architectural heritage: the case study of Santa Maria in Trastevere Basilica, Rome
A data-driven approach reveals that passive cooling strategies, such as optimizing natural ventilation and reducing surface temperatures of building envelopes exposed to solar radiation, can significantly improve indoor thermal comfort in historic religious buildings like Santa Maria in Trastevere Basilica, Rome. These strategies, when integrated into design scenarios, effectively mitigate overheating issues caused by climate change while preserving the cultural asset. The study demonstrates how digital environment analysis contributes to identifying optimal solutions for energy efficiency and indoor climate suitability in architectural heritage.
Pastor Bonus: Some Evidence of Honorius III'S Use of the Sermons of Pope Innocent III*
A rare depiction of Pope Honorius III (1216–1227) in proskinesis, a Byzantine courtly gesture uncommon in Western art, has been identified in the mosaic of Christ’s feet at San Paolo fuori le Mura. This portrayal, likely intentional, raises questions about its symbolic meaning and possible influence from Pope Innocent III’s theological legacy. The study examines the visual and historical context of this mosaic, drawing on prior scholarship by Wilpert and Ladner, to explore whether it reflects deeper theological or political implications for the papacy in the early 13th century.
Ricostruire la basilica / restaurare la Chiesa
A novel approach to the reconstruction of St. Paul's Basilica outside the Walls in Rome, following its 1823 fire, revealed that Pope Gregory XVI championed a project prioritizing the reuse of surviving ancient marbles from the original structure. This strategy, aimed at preserving continuity with the past, was implemented on a smaller scale within the new basilica but also inspired a diplomatic gesture through gifts to European monarchs who supported its reconstruction. The study contrasts this approach with architectural debates between Valadier's innovative Greek-cross plan and Fea's advocacy for restoring the original basilica layout, highlighting the political symbolism of post-Restoration ecclesiastical rebuilding in Rome.
Application to the territorial authorities of the “Guidelines for the classification and management of risk, for the evaluation of safety and for the monitoring of existing bridges”. The case study of the Municipality of Rome.
A new multilevel approach for managing the structural integrity of bridges, based on risk and attention class evaluations, has been successfully applied to the Municipality of Rome's bridge management system. This method addresses the inherent fragility of Italy's aging bridge infrastructure, much of which predates 1982 and lacks adequate maintenance due to resource constraints. The study introduces a benchmarking process between road operators and conducts a gap analysis to assess the adoption of updated Bridge Guidelines. By implementing this systematic framework, local authorities can prioritize interventions more effectively, ensuring safer infrastructure while navigating limited personnel and financial resources.
Coming to grips with diverse voices in participatory heritage initiatives
Participatory heritage initiatives often grapple with the challenge of diverse voices within communities, yet strategies to address multivocality remain underdeveloped. This study identifies key mechanisms for managing such diversity by analyzing three Italian communities: Mesagne and Latiano in Apulia, and Testaccio in Rome's historic center. Through case studies, it reveals how communities navigate conflicting perspectives on heritage, offering insights into the practical implementation of inclusive heritage management. The research highlights the importance of recognizing and integrating diverse narratives to foster more representative and equitable approaches to cultural preservation.
Cultural heritage attractors: does spatial configuration matter? Applications of macro- and micro-spatial configurative analysis in the historic urban area of Rome
Top global heritage artifacts, such as those found in Rome's historic center, act as significant pedestrian flow attractors. A study published in Urban Morphology (2023) reveals that the spatial configuration of street networks plays a crucial role in determining the popularity and movement dynamics around these cultural landmarks. Using diachronic space syntax and micro-spatial analysis, researchers found strong correlations between the current popularity of heritage sites and their integration into the urban street network. Notably, highly attractive artifacts retain their status as movement attractors even amid city growth and transformation. Additionally, micro-spatial parameters—such as building entrances' spatial relationships with streets—influence pedestrian route choices at a local level. This research underscores how both macro- and micro-scale spatial configurations shape human movement in historic urban areas.
From Gregory the Great to Leo III: The Ktetor and Donor Activities of the Popes in Rome and the Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paolo Fuori Le Mura
Pope Gregory the Great to Leo III's patronage and donations between the 6th and 9th centuries played a pivotal role in shaping Rome's identity as a center of Christian authority, primarily through their support for St. Peter's Basilica and the Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura. These basilicas served not only as architectural marvels but also as symbolic reliquaries, preserving the memory of apostles Peter and Paul—key figures in Rome's sanctification. The study reveals that papal patronage was instrumental in visually and ideologically defining an era, reinforcing the Roman Church's authority through targeted donations and construction efforts. By analyzing historical records and architectural developments, the research provides a nuanced understanding of how these activities influenced Rome's urban and religious landscape during this transformative period.
Ground Penetrating Radar survey at the Basilica of San Paolo fuori le mura (Roma, Italy)
A ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey at the Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura in Rome reveals new insights into the evolution of the basilica's core, particularly around the tomb of St. Paul. Conducted collaboratively by Dartmouth College, Università della Svizzera Italiana, CNR, and the Vatican, the study combines high-resolution GPR imaging with archival analyses to visualize subsurface structures in 2D time-slices and 3D isosurfaces. The findings, interpreted alongside archaeologists and historians, enhance understanding of the basilica's development from the 4th century to modern times, shedding light on its historical and liturgical significance as a pilgrimage destination for popes and potentates.
HBIM-Based Decision-Making Approach for Sustainable Diagnosis and Conservation of Historical Timber Structures
A novel HBIM-based decision-making approach offers a sustainable framework for conserving historical timber structures, ensuring minimal intervention while maximizing quality. The method integrates tradition and innovation, evaluating various intervention alternatives using multi-criteria analysis (AHP) and the MIVES methodology. Applied to the Michelangelo Cloister roof in Rome—a UNESCO-listed site—the study quantifies sustainability through an index that balances environmental, economic, technological, historic, and social factors. This approach provides a data-driven strategy for preserving architectural heritage while adhering to principles of minimum intervention.
Sensing the Cultural Significance with AI for Social Inclusion
An AI-driven methodological framework successfully maps the cultural significance perceived by online communities, offering valuable insights for socially inclusive heritage management. This approach leverages artificial intelligence to analyze massive, unstructured multi-modal user-generated data from social media, distinguishing between baseline and activated scenarios triggered by radical events. The study, tested across multiple cities including Rome, integrates interdisciplinary methods from heritage studies, computer science, and spatial analysis, demonstrating AI's potential to enhance the involvement of diverse participants in heritage-related discussions. This framework aligns with UNESCO's Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) recommendations, providing a systematic way to collect and analyze community knowledge for future heritage management processes.
The Age of Ruinenlust: An Exploration of Tourism and Ruins in the Urban Context, in Rome, during the Grand Tour
The concept of 'Ruinenlust,' or the pleasure derived from ruins, significantly influenced tourism during Rome's Grand Tour era. British and English travelers, inspired by works like Edward Gibbon's 'The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire,' found deep fascination in Rome's ancient ruins, contrasting with more complex geopolitical interests seen in France. This study explores how this cultural phenomenon shaped tourism dynamics, reflecting broader historical and mythological narratives. The research employs a comparative approach, analyzing English and Greek perspectives on ancient civilizations, including the fall from heroic ages associated with hubris. It also contextualizes these findings within the framework of the World Heritage Convention (1972), examining the implications for urban heritage and sustainability in Rome.
The Gathering Storm: The Pontificate of Pope Leo IV (847–55)
Pope Leo IV's (847–855) unprecedented building activities, particularly the construction of fortifications enclosing Saint Peter’s—known as the 'Leonine city'—marked a significant extension to Rome’s Aurelian walls. This response to the Arab sack of 846 also included substantial restoration efforts for lost liturgical vessels and textiles, along with new church projects like Santi Quattro Coronati and Santa Maria Nova. The study suggests a shift in papal patronage during his reign, exemplified by a subsidiary chapel in San Clemente’s lower church featuring Leo IV’s portrait, possibly housing a relic from Christ’s Ascension. The research combines historical analysis with architectural and liturgical evidence to contextualize these developments within Rome’s ninth-century landscape.
The Last Hurrah: John VIII (872–82)
A significant victory by the Byzantine imperial fleet at the mouth of the Tiber in 880 marked a rare success for papal efforts to counter the physical threat posed to Rome, particularly by Muslim marauders from North Africa. The study examines John VIII's pontificate (872–882), highlighting his construction of fortifications around San Paolo fuori le mura to prevent a repeat of the 846 sack. While the papal court was intellectually vibrant, little material culture survives except for the conversion of the temple of Portunus into Santa Maria de Secundicerio, whose mural fragments reveal influences from apocryphal texts and Byzantine hagiographic literature. These findings provide insight into the stylistic origins of contemporaneous Byzantine manuscripts, such as the Paris Sacra Parallela (BnF gr. 923), linking visual art to textual traditions.
La trasmissione del repertorio figurativo veterotestamentario di San Pietro in Vaticano e San Paolo fuori le mura fra tradizione e innovazione
A study reveals how the figurative repertoire of the Old Testament was transmitted and adapted between two significant early Christian basilicas: St. Peter's in Vatican and St. Paul Outside the Walls, both part of Rome's UNESCO World Heritage Site. The research demonstrates that while these sites maintained strong traditions rooted in early Christian art, they also incorporated innovative elements, reflecting the evolving religious and cultural landscape post-legalization of Christianity under the Roman Empire. The analysis focuses on the IV-century basilicas, examining how imperial patronage shaped their artistic development and enduring influence on collective Christian imagery.
Laser Scanning Investigation and Geophysical Monitoring to Characterise Cultural Heritage Current State and Threat by Traffic-Induce Vibrations: The Villa Farnesina in Rome
Traffic-induced vibrations near Rome's Villa Farnesina, despite being below international safety thresholds, pose ongoing risks to its Renaissance frescoes—including works by Raphael—due to their documented susceptibility to damage. A combined approach using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and geophysical monitoring (GM) revealed persistent cracks and deteriorations in the frescoes, even after past restorations, while GM tracked real-time vibration impacts across different floors of the building. The study underscores the need for continuous monitoring at this UNESCO-listed site, located adjacent to one of Rome's busiest roads, to mitigate long-term risks from traffic and historical structural vulnerabilities.
Merchants and missionaries: Chinese evangelical networks and the transnational resacralization of European urban spaces
Chinese evangelical networks are reshaping European urban spaces, such as Rome's historic centre, by merging business migration with religious practices. These transnational merchants, originating from rural China, adopt evangelical Christianity to anchor their diaspora identity and link China to Europe through spiritual and economic ties. They resacralize secular real estate and infuse historic urban areas with evangelistic meanings, reflecting a global hierarchy of places where the peripheral local contrasts with the modern global centre in market economies. This study, based on multisited ethnographic fieldwork in Wenzhou, Rome, and Paris, reveals how religion and commerce intersect to redefine transnational practices.
Spatio-temporal variations and contextual factors of the supply of Airbnb in Rome. An initial investigation
Airbnb listings in Rome, one of the world's top tourist destinations, show significant spatio-temporal variations linked to socioeconomic factors. The study reveals that while Airbnb supply increased steadily from 2014 to 2019, it declined sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for shared accommodations. Listings are more concentrated in Rome's historic center and coastal areas, correlating with higher average income, empty apartments, single residents, and foreign nationals from high-income countries. The research uses quantitative methods, including spatial regression models (spatial lag and error), to analyze data from Inside Airbnb and Tomslee, highlighting the growing monoculture of short-term rentals in central areas.
Methods of Digitization of Cultural Heritage. The Case Study of the Terme di Diocleziano
A novel integrated survey methodology for digitizing cultural heritage has been developed, focusing on the Terme di Diocleziano complex in Rome. This approach transcends traditional two-dimensional representation by incorporating three-dimensional modeling and geographic information systems (GIS). The study highlights how monumental archeologies interact with contemporary urban landscapes, offering a new perspective on urban coexistences that challenges conventional approaches. By combining advanced digitization techniques, the research provides a comprehensive framework for preserving and analyzing architectural heritage in a dynamic, informative manner.
Refurbishment and electrification in the hotel sector: four hotels in the historic centre of Rome
A study on four hotels in Rome's historic center reveals significant potential for energy savings and emission reductions through refurbishment and electrification. The research demonstrates that transitioning to fully electric heating and hot water systems, combined with storage solutions, can align with EU targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% and final energy consumption by 14%. These interventions not only enhance energy efficiency but also ensure compliance with modern regulations on accessibility, seismic resistance, and sustainability. The approach integrates building envelope upgrades with system-level optimizations, offering a model for sustainable hotel sector development in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Basilica Ulpia, Early Christian Churches and the Roman Double Truss
A new analysis reveals that the Basilica Ulpia, a notable timber truss-roofed building from imperial Rome, likely employed a double-truss roof system similar to those found in early Christian basilicas like Old St Peter’s and San Paolo fuori le Mura. This design, documented by Jean-Baptiste Rondelet in the 18th century, was critical for distributing weight and preventing overloading of stone architraves. While James E. Packer’s 1997 reconstruction proved structurally viable, it lacked convincing evidence for the roof structure. Engineering assessments confirm that the double-truss arrangement would have been both functional and innovative, suggesting its use in early Christian architecture was a continuity from Roman practice rather than an independent development.
The Representation of Sacred Royalty in the codices of Charles the Bald and the Furtherance of Romanness in the Late Carolingian Age
A key insight from this study is the identification of John Scottus Eriugena as the likely author of verses in the Bible of San Paolo fuori le Mura, a significant liturgical codex dedicated to King Charles the Bald. This finding underscores Eriugena's role in enriching the theme of sacred royalty with philosophical and cosmological elements, thereby strengthening Charles' candidacy for the imperial crown during the late Carolingian period. The research employs a detailed analysis of visual and verbal rhetoric within these codices, highlighting how they were used to promote 'Romanness' and sacred royalty. Notably, the gift of the San Paolo Bible to the pope, possibly during Charles' coronation in 875, successfully embedded this rhetorical strategy into the heart of Rome, reinforcing its cultural and historical significance.
Battery-less zero-maintenance embedded sensing at the mithræum of circus maximus
A battery-less, zero-maintenance embedded sensing system successfully operated for nearly two years at the UNESCO-protected Mithræum of Circus Maximus in Rome, demonstrating comparable environmental and structural monitoring capabilities to a battery-operated counterpart despite a 78% reduction in data yield. This breakthrough challenges conventional assumptions about energy harvesting limitations, proving that intermittent computing, low-power hardware, and thermal/kinetic energy sources can be effectively integrated for long-term, maintenance-free deployments—even in extreme conditions such as the site's three-month COVID-19 lockdown. The study highlights the potential of hardware/software co-design to optimize energy management and coupling between energy sources and sensed data, offering a sustainable alternative for archaeological monitoring.
Churches and States (Updated)
A striking parallel exists between the contemporary outcry following the 2019 fire at Notre-Dame de Paris and the lesser-known reconstruction debate of San Paolo fuori le Mura after its 1823 destruction. The essay draws on this comparison to illuminate current discussions around heritage preservation, political agency, and the intersection of religious and secular authority. By analyzing archival records, historical accounts, and contemporary discourse, it reveals how both events reflect broader tensions between state intervention, public memory, and the symbolic weight of architectural heritage. This approach offers a nuanced lens for understanding the complexities of preserving sites with dual cultural and spiritual significance.
Geomorphology of the historic centre of theUrbs(Rome, Italy)
A groundbreaking geomorphological map of Rome's historic center, the Urbs, reveals unprecedented details about urban landforms shaped by natural and human processes over millennia. This 1:5000 scale survey, four times more detailed than its predecessor, introduces innovative cartographic techniques to better represent complex landforms in dense urban environments. The findings highlight the significant potential of such maps as complementary tools for assessing natural hazards and risks, offering valuable insights for urban planning and conservation efforts.
Integrated Geomatic Techniques for Georeferencing and Reconstructing the Position of Underground Archaeological Sites: The Case Study of the Augustus Sundial (Rome)
High-precision geomatic techniques successfully reconstructed the position of a short, exposed segment (less than 7 meters) of Emperor Augustus' Sundial—a once-imposing instrument buried beneath Rome's historic center. This reconstruction, critical for 'reverse engineering' the sundial's operation, mitigates errors that could propagate from centimeters to meters when extrapolating its full structure, which may extend tens or even hundreds of meters underground. The study demonstrates how integrating geomatic methods—such as geodetic surveys and 3D modeling—enables accurate excavation planning while minimizing risks to overlying historic buildings. By georeferencing the visible fragment within a precise reference system, researchers identified potential areas for further excavation, advancing both archaeological interpretation and our understanding of this ancient scientific instrument's role in modern calendar systems.
Tourism and sustainability in the historic city of Rome
Rome's historic center faces growing concerns over the sustainability of tourism due to overtourism and its negative impacts. This study highlights that while cultural tourism contributes significantly to Italy's GDP (3.5%) and tourism revenues (33.2%), it also generates 'tourism pollution' and conflicts among stakeholders with differing interests. The research examines Rome as a case study within the broader context of mass cultural tourism, exploring how local perspectives shape sustainability debates in historic cities. It adopts a stakeholder-focused approach to analyze the challenges posed by increasing tourist numbers and the democratization of culture.
Vittorio De Sica e La porta del cielo. Un pellegrinaggio a Loreto ricostruito nella basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura nel clima dell’occupazione di Roma del 1944 / Vittorio De Sica and La porta del cielo. A pilgrimage to Loreto staged in the basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura in the atmosphere of the occupied Rome in 1944
Vittorio De Sica's film La porta del cielo (1944) offers a unique lens into the intersection of religious pilgrimage, wartime survival, and cinematic innovation. Shot entirely within Rome during its 1944 occupation, the film reconstructs a journey to Loreto's Holy House within the extraterritorial confines of San Paolo fuori le Mura Basilica, circumventing dangerous external filming due to war. De Sica's work anticipates neorealism by focusing on the daily struggles of sick pilgrims and their companions, while also providing refuge for over 400 marginalized individuals—including Jews, political dissidents, and draft dodgers—who used the film production as a means to evade Nazi round-ups. The study highlights how cultural production during conflict can serve both artistic innovation and survival, blending historical documentation with narrative experimentation.
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