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Many of the cultural treasures in Rome are currently in very adverse circumstances and unfortunately this is a fact, well-known not from yesterday. The Italian government is running through a thorough assessment of the archeological sites in the Italian capital and takes decisions about where most urgent repairs should be accomplished. Recently, the experts have found out some dangerous damages, such as waterlogged foundations, crumbling walls and fragile tunnels.

Among the recent calamities is the collapse of an 11-meter wall on the Palatine Hill, where Roman emperors built villas. It happened at night but the tourists were not totally in safe from such a danger also during the day. Because of the recent floods caused by rain in the ancient city, some parts of the Colosseum are periodically closed and measures are to be taken for their repair. In the same way the Golden Palace of Nero, opened to the public a few years ago, was closed when a decision was taken that there is no guarantee for the visitors' safety. Also, the Castel Sant'Angelo (the papal fortress overlooking the Tiber River), built to be a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, is in a state of demolition. Not least important, the Protestant Cemetery, where great nobles and notables rest, was in destruction until a support was given by the World Monuments Fund and the Bulgari jewelry.

The question is why the authorities do not react immediately and save the Rome’s cultural heritage? As it is widely reflected, the major problem is money. It is true that Rome has stable revenues from its archeological attractions but the budget for the Culture Ministry has been cut off by the government after the re-distribution of means and reductions in some parts of the public budget were made. That is why it is considered the funds allocated to the ministry are not enough and represent just a small part of the budget.

Last year, CittaItalia (a nonprofit organization) tried to raise awareness and organized a fundraising campaign by using pictures of Pisa without the Leaning Tower and legless David (Michelangelo's masterpiece). Its slogan tells “Without your help, Italy could lose the very jewels that make the country unique in the world.”

In result, donations were provided but would they be enough, time will show us. It is believed that if the consciousness of the Italians and foreign visitors raises, this will provide an additional financial support and save the architectural beauties in the Eternal city.