“It is shameful that [one of] the most important archaeological area[s] in the world is in this condition: that area does not belong to the Ministry of Culture but to the Municipality of Rome, but the issue is not who is responsible. I immediately phoned the mayor of Rome and made it clear that the situation is intolerable.
“More must be done,” he said.
He said he was “outraged by the filthy situation at the Colosseum”, after videos circulated on social networks in recent days showing rats among tourists.
The minister announced the convocation of talks, saying: “We are ready to take charge of that area”.
Sabrina Alfonsi, Rome’s head of garbage collection, meanwhile, told news outlet Adnkronos on Saturday that a “special intervention” had been launched on Friday night and early Saturday to ensure people could pass safely around the ancient amphitheatre.
The operation is continuing this week, with city government saying it is cleaning up the green areas around the Colosseum, the drains where the rats are most often located, and laying traps.
Alfonsi said a big upsurge in tourists flocking to Rome this summer, coupled with a heatwave, had led to an increase in rubbish, which has aided an increase in rodents.
Rome has long struggled with a seemingly never-ending garbage crisis, with piles of trash often dumped on the streets next to overflowing bins.
ANSA
