Albano Laziale, known for its breathtaking Roman cisterns, is set to gain national attention as Rai 1 prepares to film a special episode of the renowned television program Linea Verde. The episode, documenting the majestic Cisternoni of Albano, is scheduled for 5 or 6 February 2025, and marks the beginning of the Cisternoni's transformation, with water expected to flow again by 2026 after significant restoration efforts.
The filming approval follows the unanimous decision by the Albano municipal council on 12 December 2024. Local Mayor Massimiliano Borelli expressed enthusiasm about showcasing the historical site, stating, "The Cisternoni is not only valuable for its architectural grandeur but it also offers us the chance to tell the story of Roman ingenuity and beauty. This initiative will attract tourists and history enthusiasts alike." The significant exposure from Linea Verde is anticipated to put Albano Laziale on the cultural map, heightening interest from both domestic and international visitors.
Recently, the Cisternoni hosted Hollywood star Mel Gibson, who snapped a selfie with Mayor Borelli, underlining the site's celebrity appeal. These visits only add to the site's allure and urgency for restoration, as it prepares for its role as the centerpiece of the upcoming televised segment.
The Mayor’s ambitions for the Cisternoni extend beyond media appearances. With funding surpassing €615,000 allocated for restoration and the establishment of a comprehensive cultural route, the Cisternoni aims to contribute meaningfully to local heritage. Borelli is committed to integrating the cisterns within a broader cultural museum framework to enrich the tourist experience.
Meanwhile, on 22 December 2024, Mons. Vincenzo Viva inaugurated the new Caritas service center at SS. Salvatore parish, Genzano di Roma. This initiative, part of the “Spesa solidale” project, was facilitated by funds from the 8×1000 contributions to the Catholic Church. The event saw participation from several local officials, including Genzano’s Mayor Carlo Zoccolotti and representatives from neighboring municipalities.
Alessio Rossi, Director of Caritas diocesana, explained, "This center is the fruit of collaborative efforts among local parishes and is pivotal during these challenging economic times. It offers more than just food assistance; it provides relationships and the potential for social reintegration." The project not only supplies food pantry essentials but also aims to empower recipients, assisted by around 40 dedicated volunteers.
Rossi highlighted the urgency of their mission, citing pressing statistics on increasing poverty levels within their demographics, having served nearly 48,675 individuals in the first ten months of 2024 alone. The Caritas center demonstrates the community’s commitment to addressing social challenges through unified effort.
With the festive season approaching, there is additional joy on the horizon as Albano's cultural scene welcomes the comedic stylings of Roberto Ciufoli, who will be performing his new comedic-anthropological recital, “TIPI.” Scheduled for 28 December 2024 at the Sala Nobile di Palazzo Savelli, the show promises to entertain and engage audiences with its humorous exploration of human behavior.
Described as free and open to everyone, this performance reflects the broader goals of community engagement and cultural enrichment within the city. Ciufoli's production includes various forms of expression, from monologues to songs, all aimed at fostering humor and reflection on humanity's diversity.
While Albano Laziale thrives with these vibrant events, it is not without challenges. Recently, the municipal civil list, “L'Altra Albano,” issued statements criticizing local politicians for engaging in what they termed "sterile and instrumental polemics" surrounding environmental concerns and the proposed waste incinerator project near the Castelli Romani area. They urged serious discussions to address community needs and advocate for sustainable initiatives.
The comprehensive dynamics at play highlight Albano Laziale as more than just its historical attractions; it is becoming increasingly proactive about social issues, cultural celebrations, and community engagement. With the spotlight on the Cisternoni, the innovative Caritas initiatives, and entertaining public programs, the city is poised for significant growth and connection within and beyond its borders.
These events set the stage for Albano Laziale's continuous transformation, asserting itself as not only a guardian of history but also as a modern participant in socio-cultural discourse.
