Dario Franceschini, Italy’s minister of culture, has announced a three-year plan to invest €300m in protecting the country’s cultural heritage. Around €50m, or 17% of the €300m, has been earmarked for increasing security at cultural sites. Funds will be distributed to 241 museums, libraries and heritage sites between 2016 and 2018 for various initiatives, including much-needed restoration work. The Lazio region, which encompasses Rome, will receive the lion’s share of funds (€69m, or 23%) for 59 projects, including €13m to restore Nero’s Golden House (the Domus Aurea). Florence’s National Central Library will receive €3.5m of Tuscany’s €21m grant for a major restoration and renovation project, while Venice will get €6m of the Veneto’s €13m budget, for projects including the restoration of the stained-glass windows at the Basilica di San Giovanni e Paolo (€600,000).
