PLANS FOR NEW ROME

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 988, 3 June 1930, Page 14

PLANS FOR NEW ROME

MUSSOLINI APPOINTS COMMISSION A GREAT CONTROVERSY With an eye to the future development of Rome, a commission for town planning has been appointed by Signor Mussolini. In an address to the members, the Duce told the assembled architects that in 1950 Rome would have 2,000,000 inhabitants and probably 150,000 motor-cars. The city must have new parks, baths and open squares, and more communications ■with the sea must be opened up. He gave the commission six months in which to draw up a new- plan of Rome, after which the Government would reserve the right to make its decisions. Ancient and mediaeval Rome were to be respected because “they were of the greatest significance and had a high economic value, as they brought hundreds of thousands of visitors from abroad.” The Duce added that by revealing ancient monuments the Seven Hills of Rome would once again be recognised after having been ’’smothered in the chaotic constructions of the last centuries.” The whole problem of "New Rome” has been recently the subject of great and often bitter controversy, because of the devotion to the Imperial monuments shown by Fascist town planners. Mediaeval houses have been somewhat ruthlessly pulled down to reveal the Roman markets or theatres, and especially round the Capitol Hill the pulling down has been done so rapidly that a number of fine perspectives have been completely lost. The new commission may yet save this hill and the squares round it from complete spoliation, but its work bristles with difficulties.

There is general relief that at least for six months, while its labours are in progress, further demolition will be suspended. And not a few lovers of Rome hope that the idea,of revealing the Seven Hills will eventually be given up, for such a scheme would involve the sacrifice of some of the most characteristic mediaeval streets and palaces, whose charm is increased by their nearness to the ruins of ancient Rome.