Rome‘s Piazza San Giovanni Triumphantly Reopens Ahead of the Giubileo
Rome’s Mayor Roberto Gualtieri has inaugurated the newly refurbished Piazza San Giovanni, a masterpiece of urban revitalization completed just in time for the opening of the Porta Santa at the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano on Sunday, December 29. The €15 million project transformed the 18,000 square-meter space, enhancing its beauty and functionality for the Roman people and the numerous visitors expected during the Giubileo.
The meticulous restoration, executed by OneWorks, included the meticulous ri Pavimentazione, inspired by the cosmatesque motifs of the basilica, lush strips of grass, and nine magnificent round, level fountains with captivating water features (watch the video). Additionally, the façade of the church is now elegantly illuminated by Areti’s artistic lighting.
Auspiciously, the inauguration was attended by Assessora ai Lavori Pubblici Ornella Segnalini, Monsignor Rino Fisichella, and Cardinale Vicario Baldassarre Reina, reflecting the significant importance of this event.
The city successfully navigated the complexities of archaeological finds, revealing crucial aspects of the Patriarchium‘s history, and promise further exploration of the unearthed treasures in the future. Despite minor works continuing into February 2025, the Concertone will unimpededly carry on in its beloved setting.
Mayor Gualtieri expressed his satisfaction with the progress, highlighting how the piazza, with its greenery and water features, now better complements the grandeur of the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano. He also ensured the public that the space will remain accessible throughout the completion of the works, and that the verdant areas are easily replaceable, including the grass, which will be temporarily substituted following the May 1st Concertone.
The municipal authorities have confirmed that the works are advancing swiftly, with 85% of the overall intervention completed. This impressive progress ensures that the piazza will be fully functional in time for the Giubileo, marking another significant achievement in Rome’s ongoing urban rebirth.
