In expectation of millions of pilgrims attracted to Rome for Pope Francis' Extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy (due to begin on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception 8th December 2015) Rome is embarking on a last minute rush of preparations.
With the Trevi Fountain restorations just finished and those of the Colosseum well underway, the focus is now on other monuments and key sights. The Spanish Steps are at present under wraps as restorers work to clean and repair the marble and travertine stairway. Many of the famous fountains are also undergoing long-needed upkeep, including the Quirinale Fountain of the Dioscuri in front of the Presidential Palace, the Four Fountains on the crossroads linking Piazza del Tritone with Via Nazionale and the Quirinale and the Babuino (Baboon actually a satyr) on the road of the same name. This latter is one of Rome's so-called talking statues and is frequently adorned with slogans and complaints against the government.
Four special pilgrims' routes have been mapped out and will be subject to special security measures and surveillance. They are as follows:
First Papal Route from St. John Lateran to St. Peter's via S. Maria in Vallicella and Castel Sant'Angelo
Second Papal Route from St. John Lateran to St. Peter's via San Salvatore in Laura
Pilgrims' Route from St. John Lateran to St. Peter's via San Giovanni dei Fiorentini
Marian Route from St. Mary Major to St. Peter's via Piazza Navona.
Info: www.giubileopapafrancesco.it www.turismoroma.it
