Officials in Rome are not happy after news that the Colosseum will welcome visitors after hours for a unique experience inspired by the upcoming Gladiator II.
The experience, announced exclusively by PEOPLE on Wednesday, Nov. 13, is part of Airbnb’s “Icons” series and allows guests to “dress up in historically accurate armor and put their skills to the test to determine their fate in battle.”
“Practice the art of gladiatorial combat and test your mettle as you face your fellow warriors. The summa rudis – your judge – will ultimately determine your fate. May you taste the sweetness of glory with the infestus pollex and join the ranks of victorious gladiators from time immemorial,” it added. Airbnb press release.
The president of Rome’s cultural commission, Erica Battaglia, said in a statement provided to CNN that the travel experience will make the Colosseum “a place of jokes for a select few.”
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Airbnb’s “Gladiator II” experience at the Colosseum.
Airbnb
“Because of what it represents, the Colosseum is a world heritage site and we need to move in the direction of protecting it,” she added further, according to the outlet.
Rome’s culture councillor, Massimiliano Smeriglio, expressed concern about the new venture in a Facebook post, saying the Colosseum should not be turned into a “theme park”.
“The news about the gladiatorial spectacle inside the #Colosseum leaves us confused to say the least. We understand the needs of the supervisor to improve a work that deserves conservation and restoration, but with this initiative we once again confirm the principle of grace and the consumption of culture,” read his post.
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Airbnb’s “Gladiator” experience at the Colosseum.
Airbnb
“A principle that goes in the opposite direction of what we strive for, which is a legacy that is fruitful and accessible to all,” Smeriglio’s statement continued.
Center-left Democratic Party politician Enzo Foschi, in a statement he took over The Telegraph, also said: “After taking over the historic center of Rome, turning it into a huge theme park, they now want to trivialize the Colosseum. Rome is not Disneyland.”
The management of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, which oversees the Roman monument, defends the travel experience, saying in a statement that the plan is to “enhance the historical and cultural heritage of the amphitheater through comprehensive activities with full respect for the monument, based on rigorous historical research,” according to CNN.
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Airbnb’s “Gladiator” experience at the Colosseum.
Airbnb
Airbnb also notes in its press release that this venture follows “a series of platform measures and commitments to revitalize heritage tourism in Europe, including donations to heritage sites across Europe of over ten million dollars.”
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It further added that “Airbnb offers its support for the restoration and enhancement of the Colosseum’s legacy, including the ongoing project to restore the Colosseum’s permanent display.”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education