Restoration of Italian Monuments in Rome 🏛

The history of sponsorship from the Medici to modern corporations

The Pantheon in Rome

Corporate Sponsorship and Entrance Fees

The Eternal City is a treasure trove of historical monuments and ancient ruins. The city boasts a staggering array of fountains, statues, palazzi, and archaeological sites, each a testament to its rich and multifaceted history. However, maintaining these relics of the past is a monumental task that comes with an equally monumental cost. In recent years, budget constraints and the economic fallout from the pandemic have exacerbated these challenges, compelling the city to explore innovative funding solutions.

Among these are corporate sponsorships and the introduction of entrance fees for some of the most visited sites, such as my favorite monument, the Pantheon.
Despite some widespread opposition to the new entrance fee, I’ve always found it surprising that it was only introduced last year. Having lived in Rome for many years, I’ve often wondered how the Eternal City managed to cover the maintenance and restoration costs of this magnificent monument up until now. 

The Financial Burden of Preservation