Ostia Beaches: New Regulations Approved, “Lungomuro” to be Demolished
Rome, May 8 – After years of debate and controversy surrounding beach concessions, Rome’s City Council yesterday approved a new Beach Utilization Plan (PUA) for Ostia. This long-awaited plan, which has been in the works since 2022 and anticipated for two decades, aims to redefine the use of the coastline, enhance public access, and boost tourism in the area.
The Path to Approval and Future Steps
The proposed resolution now moves to the Capitoline Assembly (Aula Giulio Cesare) for approval. Following this, a Services Conference will be convened, involving all relevant authorities, including the Lazio Region, the State Property Agency (Agenzia del Demanio), the Customs Agency (Agenzia delle Dogane), the Port Authority (Capitaneria di porto), and the Superintendence (Soprintendenza). Once technical evaluations are complete, multi-year concession tenders for the beaches will be issued, replacing the current system of extensions. This is considered a crucial step to ensure continuity for operators and usher in a new era of tourism for Ostia.
Scope of the Intervention and Key Provisions
The PUA focuses on 11.27 kilometers of Ostia’s total 16.8 kilometers of coastline. This stretch is divided into 81 Minimum Intervention Units (UMI), each with a specific designation:
- Beach establishments: Managed through state concessions.
- Public beaches with services: Governed by agreements to ensure public use.
- Restaurants: Including an attached public beach with services, managed under a single concession.
Additionally, three units are allocated for recreational and sports activities, and one for the rental of boats and beach equipment, also subject to state concession.
Increased Public Access and Demolition of the “Lungomuro”
A significant aspect of the new plan is the improvement of accessibility. The PUA mandates the demolition of the controversial “lungomuro” (seafront wall), with 30 public access points to the beach distributed along the entire coastline, each no more than 300 meters apart. At least half of the coastline will offer an unobstructed view of the sea, and 57 percent of the linear coastline will be reserved for public beaches, with one every 300 meters.
Seasonal Extension and Economic Impact
Among the objectives is the seasonal extension of Ostia’s appeal, aiming to keep the area vibrant throughout the year. Concessionaires will be permitted to remain open from October to April, providing essential services, small-scale catering, and beach cleaning. This initiative is expected to contribute to the economic revitalization of the area.
Mayoral and Councilor Statements
Rome’s Mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, emphasized the comprehensive nature of the plan: “With this Plan, we are addressing the overall requalification of Rome’s sea and defining clear rules. We are strengthening access to the beaches with public entrances to reach the sea, overcoming the ‘lungomuro’ and setting clear boundaries for establishments.”
Maurizio Veloccia, Councilor for Urban Planning, stated that the PUA “constitutes a strategic framework to transform Ostia and allow its beaches to regain a central role for both Romans and tourists.” Tobia Zevi, responsible for Heritage, hailed it as a “decisive step” towards publishing multi-year tenders for beach concessions, which will “allow for long-term investments.”
Addressing Past Issues and Looking Forward
The approval of this plan follows a period of significant challenges for Ostia’s beaches, including closures and delays. The new regulations are designed to provide stability and a clear framework for future development, moving beyond the uncertainties of past seasons.
The plan is expected to bring a much-needed boost to Ostia’s tourism sector, offering both residents and visitors a revitalized and more accessible coastline. The focus on public access and extended seasonal operations aims to create a more dynamic and inclusive environment for everyone.
