Adnkronos Rome, November 14 (Adnkronos) – "The massacre of cypress trees in the 'sacred forest' surrounding the Mausoleum of Augustus was not caused by imaginary diseases of the magnificent centuries-old trees; in fact, there is no trace of scientific expertise certifying them. Rather, it was intended to create a paving system with a walkway right in the space occupied by the eliminated cypresses.
The Capitoline project, in short, envisions a terrace above a 1st-century BC tomb, complete with a makeshift fence and perhaps a kiosk bar. "Has the sacred grove, the genius loci of the monumental complex, been sacrificed for a scrabble game?" This was stated by Fabio Rampelli, Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Brothers of Italy party, in the chamber, illustrating the interpellation on the felling of cypress trees at the Mausoleum of Augustus and in response to Undersecretary of Culture Gianmarco Mazzi.
"An unlikely decision," he continues, "which incredibly received approval from the Capitoline and State Superintendencies in 2006. These same authorities are blocking the demolition of collectivist eyesores from the 60s and 70s, or denying the simplest private maintenance projects on homes in the historic center."
"I would like to remind you that the Mausoleum is not only a monument of inestimable architectural and archaeological value, but also has religious and spiritual significance, housing the burial chambers of Augustus, his family, and other high-ranking figures of Imperial Rome. Following the suspension of the criminal felling of the cypress trees, formally issued by the Special Superintendency, we ask Minister Giuli to reconsider the decision and revoke the authorization for that part of the 2006 project that involves paving the roof of the monument, altering its meaning, and distorting its meaning," he concludes.