Taking advantage of the event, Rome has pooled billions of euros of state and European funds to overhaul tourist sites, transport hubs, parks, streets and even its rubbish bins.
The frenzy of work has snarled traffic, to the fury of residents, and left some visitors this year feeling short-changed as they weave their way through myriad building sites, but mayor Roberto Gualtieri promised it will all be worth it.
'This is an unmissable opportunity to make structural changes ... and transform Rome,' Gualtieri said in July. 'We are going to get a more sustainable, inclusive and innovative city that enhances its extraordinary heritage.'
Rome's monumental facelift ahead of the 2025 Roman Catholic Holy Year has left tourists feeling let down after seeing more scaffolding than famous sites. |