ROME (AP).— The newly appointed director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, Simone Quilici, has made it clear that under his management the iconic Roman amphitheater will not host electronic music parties. His statement comes after a wave of misinformation on social media accusing him of planning “massive raves” at the nearly 2,000-year-old monument. “The Coliseum will not be a nightclub,” the official, who took office on October 20, firmly stated.
Quilici explained that the concerts and shows that are organized must respect the sacred character of the place, which is part of the cultural and religious identity of Rome. “Music must be carefully controlled,” he said. “The important thing is that it is not a crazy crowd,” he added, emphasizing that calmer proposals will be sought, such as acoustic or jazz concerts. Among the artists he mentioned as an example of this style is Sting, a symbol of serenity and musical elegance.
The director indicated that future presentations will include poetry readings, dance and theater, always with a focus on respect for historical heritage. Recreations of gladiatorial battles based on scientific research, far from improvised tourist spectacles, are also planned. “These activities are welcome within the Colosseum park,” said Quilici, who rejects the staging of “poorly disguised centurions” who harass visitors.
The first concerts could be held within two years, once the existing platform is expanded. Quilici recalled that only a handful of artists have performed at the Coliseum — among them Ray Charles, Paul McCartney and Andrea Bocelli — and that all events were restricted access.
“Tourism is an industry, but culture must return to the center,” he noted from the highest balcony of the monument, highlighting his intention to make the Colosseum a space to live artistic experiences, not just to visit it.
Quilici’s plan also seeks to decentralize the tourism that floods the Colosseum and redirect part of the almost nine million annual visitors to other historical points such as the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, included in the same entrance ticket. “We can use the Colosseum as a starting point to explore less visited places,” commented the archaeologist, highlighting that Rome offers much more than a photo next to the amphitheater.
Finally, the director wants to integrate the Circus Maximus and the Appian Way, which he previously managed, into a unified tour of archaeological sites connected by pedestrian routes. “It is a collective effort that requires cooperation and brave decisions,” he declared.
For Quilici, protecting the heart of Rome does not depend so much on money, but on the will to “restore life to the soul of the eternal city.”
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