Rome Municipality thanks Azerbaijan for restoring ancient catacombs
By Nigar Orujova
President of Rome V Municipality expressed his gratitude to Azerbaijan's Heydar Aliyev Foundation for participating in the restoration of the ancient Catacombs of Rome.
"We are thankful to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for its participation in restoring the ancient Catacombs of Rome," Giammarco Palmieri said in an interview with "Roma notizie" news portal.
He said the restoration of the catacombs will be completed by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in April.
"Restoration of the catacombs of saint Marcellino and Pietro is of great importance from the point of view of attracting pilgrims and tourists," Palmieri said.
The Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Vatican signed an agreement on restoration of Sacred Marcellino and Pietro catacombs in June 2012.
The ancient heritage which has not been fully studied occupies a special place among the most ancient Christian monuments in historical and architectural terms.
The holy Roman catacombs will be open for pilgrims and tourists who are going to visit the Vatican in the next months. The restoration process will highlight the significance of the catacombs, the best examples of the Roman artistic heritage.
Among 60 catacombs located around the city of Rome, Marcellino and Pietro catacombs are very significant and interesting ones for the Christian world. They are located in Lavikano Street. With his own grave and the mausoleum built in honor of his mother empress Helena, this catacomb is a sign of value given by emperor Konstantin to tolerance.