In a statement, the Italian Ministry of Tourism emphasized that the practice would continue throughout August. The ministry stated that the initiative would be implemented at state-owned monuments in Rome and at municipality-owned monuments in Milan. Among the landmarks whose opening hours will be extended are the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and Sforza Castle.
The initiative aims to encourage tourism, regulate and manage visitor flows, and provide opportunities for visits during cooler hours and time periods that are more suitable for working schedules.
Contribution of €58 Billion to the National Economy
Italian Tourism Minister Gianmarco Mazzi said in a statement regarding the initiative: “This initiative, which emerged as a result of consultations with tour guides and industry professionals, meets the needs of travelers and citizens. We are paying maximum attention to cultural tourism in order to explore the growth potential of this sector, which already contributes €58 billion to the national economy.”
Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli also said: “The special evening openings of the Colosseum and the Pantheon offer the opportunity to experience two universal testimonies of history and human creativity in an exceptionally impressive setting. Making these sites more accessible increases knowledge and strengthens awareness of their value.”
