The grass lawn and flower beds have been returned to the centre of Piazza Venezia following the conclusion of archaeological excavations for the planned metro C line. The area had been cordoned off since the summer of 2006 when excavations in the square began, turning up traces of the ancient Roman Via Flaminia and the foundations of a mediaeval glass factory.

Now the city authorities say that the grass will remain in place until the summer of 2010 when work on the Piazza Venezia metro station is scheduled to commence.

According to plans, the new station will lie at a depth of 30 m below street level at the centre of the square and incorporate the archaeological remains uncovered during excavations into a public exhibition space. There will allegedly be three exits, in Piazza Santi Apostoli, Piazza Madonna di Loreto and next to the Vittoriano monument. Earlier planners considered locating the station between the Vittoriano and Trajan