Caput Mundi: Conservative restoration and enhancement of the "Columbarium of Pomponius Hylas"

Caput Mundi Next Generation EU for touristic great events (Mission 1, Component 3, Investment 4.3)

Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan increases the number of accessible tourist sites in Rome, creating valid and qualified tourist and cultural alternatives with respect to the crowded central areas, as well as increasing the use of digital technologies, enhance green areas and the sustainability of tourism. The investment envisages six lines of interventions:
1. “Roman Cultural Heritage for EU-Next Generation”, covering the regeneration and restoration of cultural and urban heritage and complexes of high historical-architectural value of the city of Rome;
2. “Jubilee paths” (from pagan to Christian Rome), targeted to the enhancement, safety, anti-seismic consolidation, restoration of places and buildings of historical interest and archaeological pathways;
3. #LaCittàCondivisa, covering the redevelopment of sites in peripheral areas;
4. #Mitingodiverde, covering interventions on parks, historical gardens, villas and fountains;
5. #Roma 4.0, covering the digitalization of cultural services and the development of apps for tourists;
6. #Amanotesa, aimed at increasing the supply of cultural offer to peripheries for social integration.

The investment is financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility by EUR 500 million and includes this project.
The project involves comprehensive restoration of both the exterior and interior to preserve the building’s historical and artistic value, including structural repairs, improved security, and enhanced visitor accessibility. Interior works will focus on the restoration of decorative elements, modernization of systems, and cleaning, with upgrades to the lighting to highlight architectural features. This project is financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility with EUR 714000. The restoration works will involve both the exterior and interior of the building, aiming to preserve its historical integrity and enhance its architectural and artistic elements. For the exterior, various interventions will take place, including renovation of the gutters and inspection of the sewerage disposal system. The roof’s waterproofing will be checked and, if necessary, measures will be taken to ensure its effectiveness. The plaster will be repaired and restored to reflect the building’s original appearance. The front door will be replaced to improve both security and aesthetics. An anti-intrusion system and new surveillance cameras will be installed. A welcoming area will be created in front of the entrance to provide a transitional space between the interior and exterior, offering additional protection from the elements. Educational panels will be placed inside the building to provide visitors with historical and contextual information, enriching their experience and deepening their understanding of the site's significance. As for the interior, various restoration activities will be undertaken. Some additions made during the 1930s will be removed and replaced with reconstructions that are more faithful to the building's original design. Metal elements will be replaced for reasons of safety and visual coherence. The frescoes, stuccoes, mosaic niche, and shell frame will be repaired and consolidated to preserve the building’s artistic heritage. Brick shelves, stone elements, and inscriptions will be restored, and masonry surfaces will be cleaned to remove dirt and residues. Upgrades will also be made to the electrical system, including the installation of an air supply system to ensure proper air circulation within the building. The handrail of the access stairway will be replaced, and the floor area will be cleaned to recover its original appearance. Finally, the artistic lighting system will be evaluated and, if needed, improved to better highlight the building’s architectural and decorative features.