Upon a quiet stretch of the Via Aurelia Antica, nestled between the Gianicolense and Aurelio quarters, stands the Arco di Paolo V. This isn’t just an arch. It’s a monument to ambition, engineering, and a little bit of historical misconception. Pope Paul V, in 1612, decided to revive the ancient Trajan’s Aqueduct. This aqueduct, bringing fresh water from the Sabatini Mountains, was in dire need of repair. The Pope, ambitious as he was, wanted to leave his mark. He commissioned Giovanni Fontana, brother of the renowned architect Domenico Fontana, to lead the restoration. To fund this massive project, taxes were levied on two essential Roman staples: meat and wine. The result? A revitalized aqueduct, now known as Acqua Paola, and this majestic arch commemorating Paul’s achievement. Look closely at the inscriptions adorning the arch. They tell a story of restoration, proclaiming the revival of the aqueduct from its ancient, collapsed state. However, there’s an intriguing error. One inscription claims the aqueduct was originally built by Emperor Augustus. This wasn’t accurate. It seems that, at the time, they believed they were restoring the Aqua Alsietina. This aqueduct, built by Augustus, fed the Naumachia, a massive basin used for mock naval battles. The Arco di Paolo V, a testament to Paul V’s vision, stands as a reminder: history often involves a touch of reinterpretation.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to