The Italians called the Russian money spent on the reconstruction of the basilica in Rome “inconvenient”

Discussions arose around the results of the restoration of the colonnade at Trajan’s Forum

The decision to reconstruct the Trajan Forum in Rome was made 10 years ago, just then Alisher Usmanov agreed to finance it, donating 1.5 million euros for restoration work. The work itself, however, began only in 2021; it was recently completed. The Italian press and historians attacked with criticism, calling the Russian oligarch’s money “inconvenient” and criticizing the project itself.

Basilica Ulpia is one of the ten most famous monuments in Rome. Its construction is believed to have played a key role in the development of church architecture. The monumental building with halls, colonnades and high roof was built during the reign of Emperor Trajan at the beginning of the second century AD. It was the center of public life, which also worked as a court. When exactly it was destroyed and how is unknown, but the building was opened at the beginning of the 19th century, when the monasteries located on the site of the basilica were demolished. Centuries later, almost legal proceedings unfolded again in Trajan’s Square. Critics called the result “controversial.”

The fact is that the creation of Apollodorus of Damascus was partially reconstructed using the “anastylosis” method. That is, the places that were not preserved were made from new material, different from historical material, so that it was clear what was completed and what was. A part of the nave was built above several columns and several more columns were placed on top to give an idea of ​​the scale of the structure, and it really was grandiose. This decision is now being criticized. Historian Bruno Zanardi argues that the updated basilica does not correspond to the original design. But here the question arises: where did historians look before when the project was discussed and implemented?

Another, but more exciting question concerns the project sponsor, Alisher Usmanov. The newspaper La Repubblica called the money allocated to them “inconvenient” and joked that now they need to install a radar at the basilica (otherwise it will suddenly fly into it). It’s strange that the question of whether it was worth taking money from a Russian oligarch, whose property in Italy, by the way, was confiscated, was taken up only now, when 1.5 million euros had already been spent.

However, a sign with the patron’s name was installed next to the basilica. However, the municipality of Rome refused the grand opening of the reconstructed historical and cultural monument.