Ancient Roman Tuff Quarry Illegally Used as Disco in Rome Seized
Rome, June 4 – An ancient Roman tuff quarry, located along the “Tor Cervara lakes” in Rome, has been preventively seized by police for being illegally used as a dance club. The operation, conducted by agents of the Administrative Division of the Police Headquarters, occurred during one of three scheduled party nights. The site, a historical tuff quarry dating back to ancient Roman times, was found to be operating without the necessary permits and with serious safety deficiencies.
Police Intervention and Lack of Authorization
The police intervention took place while approximately 700 patrons were inside the venue. Organizers had already sold 765 tickets online, with more expected to be purchased at the entrance. Investigations revealed that the site had never been authorized to host dance events. The Municipal Supervisory Commission had previously issued a negative opinion following a technical inspection, citing non-compliance of the electrical system and the absence of an updated stability report for the tuff face of the area, which was required for 2026.
Significant Safety Deficiencies Uncovered
During the police check, several critical safety anomalies were identified. The staircase designated as an emergency exit was found to be unlit and unguarded, leading to a completely dark area. Similar issues were noted in the access areas to the venue, where tables and seating were placed in poorly lit zones. Furthermore, some fire extinguishers were not up-to-date with their revisions, and several emergency lights were non-functional, posing a significant risk to attendees.
Social Media Promotion and “Itinerant” Format
The dance nights were extensively advertised on social media platforms through promotional campaigns, online pre-sales, and an “itinerant” format, allowing the events to move to different locations across the capital. This strategy enabled the organizers to bypass regular venue regulations and attract a large number of participants to unauthorized and potentially dangerous sites.
Implications for Cultural Heritage and Public Safety
The illegal use of an ancient Roman tuff quarry as a disco highlights concerns regarding the protection of historical sites and public safety. Such unauthorized events not only risk damaging invaluable cultural heritage but also expose attendees to considerable dangers due to inadequate infrastructure and lack of safety measures. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring similar activities to prevent future occurrences and ensure the preservation of historical landmarks while upholding safety standards for public gatherings.
The police operation underscores the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations and proper authorization for events, especially when utilizing historical or unconventional venues. The investigation into the organizers and the extent of their operations is ongoing, with further actions anticipated to address the illegal activities and ensure compliance with urban planning and safety laws.
Source: ansa.it
