After a little over two months of confinement, Italy is slowly returning to its normal activities. Its cultural wealth makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. That's why museums were among the first sites to reopen their doors. This includes the Capitoline Museums in Rome.
MARIA VITTORIA MARINI CLARELLI
Superintendent of Cultural Heritage, Rome
“The museums are completely open, except for the smallest galleries. There, only two people are allowed at a time, in order to maintain a minimum safety distance of three feet between visitors. Nevertheless, the tour is complete. Guests can see the Capitoline Pinacoteca, the 'Capitoline Venus' and even Rubens' 'Romulus and Remus.' Then they can get a view of the Roman Forum from the Tabularium.”
Now access to one of Italy's most important museums is very different from three months ago. Visits must be booked online ahead of time.
Upon arrival, visitors must have their temperature taken. After going through security, they are required to use hand sanitizer and wear masks and gloves. In addition, they have to follow the arrows on the floor, all while keeping at least three feet between themselves and others.
The galleries were carefully sanitized by professionals specialized in preserving historical works of art.
Now one of the treasures of the Eternal City is accessible once more. It's the sculpture of the Capitoline she-wolf, who, according to tradition, raised Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. Tourists can also gaze upon the imposing bronze sculpture of Marcus Aurelius from 176 A.D.
Every year, millions of tourists visit these sites, which preserve the artistic roots of western culture. Foreign tourists won't be able to visit before June 3, when Italy is set to reopen its borders to the European Union, without tourists being obligated to spend time in quarantine.
Daniel Díaz Vizzi
Translation: Claudia Torres
