ROME -- The Italian Court of Auditors has expressed doubt over the “economic efficiency” of the Colosseum’s restoration project, as well as the “significant delay” in starting the new phase of works.

 The comments from the Court of Auditors are taken from their investigation into ‘Public-Private initiatives in the processes of valorisation of cultural heritage sites’, in which specific concerns were expressed towards the “quantity and duration of rights, mainly rights for the use of images, spaces and information, granted to the sponsor.”

 According to the Court of Auditors, the operation of the Colosseum’s restoration led to doubts over the duration of rights to keep working on the Flavian Amphitheatre. The original public notice had expressly stated that rights of use were granted only for the duration of the works, and not for any further period. However, in contrast, the contract stipulates that the rights of the sponsor are protected for a two year period after the conclusion of the works.”

 The Court of Auditors “recommends to the administrative body, that, in light of significant financial delays that built up so far, they should focus on executing and completing the work in accordance with the deadlines previously set.”

 The Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage has not given their comment on the Court of Auditor’s investigation.

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