Serenissima Park: Italia Nostra Rome urges immediate implementation of

Why Serenissima Park matters

Serenissima Park is a planned 36-hectare green area between Casalbertone and Viale Togliatti that can protect and showcase archaeological remains, natural springs and parts of the ancient Vergine Aqueduct. The site was included in a compensation agreement linked to infrastructure works and has land and funds transferred to the municipal administration.

Current status

Although funding and initial design work have been secured, the park has not yet been completed. Two related priorities remain unresolved in the eastern periphery:

• Ancient Via Collatina: a 160-metre stretch uncovered during works in 2000 was dismantled stone by stone and placed in storage. Plans and funds exist to reinstall it within a nearby green area, but the relocation has not yet been carried out.
• Roman villa on via Scarpitti: allocated funds for archaeological excavation are available, yet fieldwork has not begun.

Agreements and funding already in place

• A 2005 compensation agreement between the rail authority and the municipality concerning the park area.
• Transfer of land and roughly €6.3 million earmarked for park design and implementation.
• Subsequent agreements allocating resources for the Via Collatina relocation and for excavation of the villa.

What Italia Nostra and local stakeholders are asking

Heritage groups urge authorities to speed up administrative and technical steps: finalize the park's executive design, proceed with the relocation of the Via Collatina stretch, and initiate the planned archaeological excavations. The municipal council representing the area has also unanimously requested swift implementation of these measures.

Impact on the area

• Protection and enhancement of archaeological resources within the urban context.
• Creation of accessible green space with environmental functions (wetlands, springs).
• Improved preventive protection for subsurface historic infrastructure and monuments.

Practical note: progress depends on coordinated action by the city administration, rail authorities and archaeological supervision bodies, and on using the funds already set aside. Prompt scheduling of excavations and the relocation work is considered crucial to prevent further deterioration and enable public enjoyment of the site.