HUGE SCHEME TO REVIVE ROME’S GLORY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18186, 20 June 1927, Page 5

HUGE SCHEME TO REVIVE ROME’S GLORY.

ROADS TO BE WIDENED AND BUILDINGS DEMOLISHED. ROME. April 23. A vast street-widening scheme, which will entail an expenditure of £60,000,000, to be raised by means of a loan to be negotiated in London, is afoot here. The Governor proposes to isolate the Mausoleum of Augustus, erected in 28 B.C. demolish all the buildings surrounding it. and widen all the roads leading to it, including the Via della Croce, one .of the most characteristic streets of Rome. The Mausoleum, like other ancient buildings, was converted into a fortress by the Colennas in the 12th century. Later it was used as a theatre, and recently it was adapted as a concert hall. It has been preserved, though in ruinous condition, but it is hidden by mediaeval and modern houses built around it. Three decisions were announced by Signor Mussolini, speaking at Rome on Saturday. 1. Clear away the buildings . surrounding the ancient monuments in the city. 2. Disinter the city of Herculaneum and carry out novel excavations ? at Pompeii. 3. Refloat the two great Roman ships submerged in the bake of Norm.