New pedestrian routes through Roman and Imperial Fora – and beyond.

Rome mayor Virginia Raggi and Italy's culture minister Alberto Bonisoli on Thursday inaugurated a new pedestrian route connecting the Roman Forum to the Imperial Fora.

“But this is only the first step,” announced Bonisoli. “We intend to create an archaeological ‘Central Park’ in the capital.” The plan is to extend access to the classical Roman remains in the city centre to include the Circus Maximus, Trajan's Markets and the Baths of Caracalla in a seamless itinerary, Bonisoli announced.

Announcing the agreement signed between the city’s department for cultural heritage and the already existing Colosseum Archaeology Park, Raggi told media, “We have slashed through bureaucratic obstacles and made a simple gesture, just like opening a gate.” The responsibility for these areas was previously divided between state and city offices.

The plan should do away with the need to queue for separate entrances to the fascinating testimony of the classical Roman era, enabling visitors to grasp the breadth and layout of the city at the time of the Caesars.