HIGH PRIORITY PROJECT

This conservation project aims to preserve the Necropolis of Santa Rosa. Part of this Necropolis was discovered in 1956, and excavations continued until 1958. The second area was discovered in 2003 during the construction of a Vatican parking garage. This site was generously financed by the PAVM Canada Chapter. They extended their generosity to sponsor the excavation work that took place in 2011, which reconnected the two archaeological sites. To date, the extension of the entire Santa Rosa Necropolis offers a wonderful chance for visitors to explore an ancient burial site from the 1st century B.C. to the 3rd century A.D. Since the entire site is underground, it suffers from microbiological attacks because of the humidity, which affects the artworks and tombs located in the archaeological sites. Several areas are affected by the efflorescences of salts. These stains are on the painted frescoes of the walls of the tombs because the salts emerge from the inside of the walls and break down the pigments of the colored surfaces of the tombs. These situations compromise not only the state of preservation of the sepulchers but prevent the visitors from having a clear view of the architectural elements and decorated walls. A continuous conservation and climate control process will help prevent further damage. The intervention will consist of a complete dusting of all architectural elements and artworks. Additionally, a scientific analysis will take place to assess the state of preservation of the sepulchers, artworks, sarcophagi, and funerary urns. Furthermore, the conservation will allow the reassembly of the stuccoes on the ceilings of four Columbari (sepulchers II, III, XVII, XVIII), which will provide the site with “new” wonderful views of the antique world. Another exciting element in the Santa Rosa Necropolis Conservation project is the Alcimus tomb, one of the most popular on the site. Alcimus was the scenographer of Emperor Nero. The area and elements around the Alcimus tomb will be studied in-depth and restored since they were seriously affected by microbiological attacks. Several funerary artworks are on display in the burial site, which will be restored during the conservation process.

TOTAL COST: € 28.404,50  ($ 27,762.55)