SOPRINTENDENZA SPECIALE PER IL COLOSSEO IL MUSEO NAZIONALE ROMANO E L'AREA ARCHEOLOGICA DI ROMA

Their core work

This is Rome's special heritage superintendency responsible for managing and protecting some of the world's most iconic archaeological sites — the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the National Roman Museum. Their real-world work involves conservation, restoration, public access management, and safeguarding of monumental heritage assets under environmental and climate threats. In H2020, they contributed domain expertise on how major heritage sites can be protected using technology and how climate adaptation strategies apply to irreplaceable cultural assets.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

With only three projects all starting in 2016-2017, there is limited timeline to observe evolution. However, their portfolio shows a broadening from core heritage protection (STORM) toward interdisciplinary themes: heritage policy and public engagement (CHEurope) and climate adaptation for urban heritage (Climate-fit.City). The keyword data — concentrated entirely in the recent period — points to an emerging interest in connecting heritage management with audience development and digital tools.

Moving from purely physical conservation toward integrating climate resilience, digital archives, and public engagement — suggesting openness to interdisciplinary heritage projects.

How they like to work

SS-COL has never coordinated an H2020 project, participating exclusively as a partner or third party. With 62 unique partners across 14 countries from just 3 projects, they clearly operate in large, multi-national consortia where they contribute domain access and real-world heritage site expertise rather than leading research. This makes them a valuable end-user partner for consortia needing a world-class heritage site as a living laboratory or validation ground.

Despite only 3 projects, they have built connections with 62 partners across 14 countries, reflecting involvement in large European consortia. Their network spans heritage research, climate science, and urban planning communities.

What sets them apart

They manage arguably the most recognized archaeological sites in the world — the Colosseum and Roman Forum. For any consortium needing a high-profile, real-world heritage testbed, this organization offers unmatched visibility and access. Their dual involvement in both heritage protection and climate adaptation makes them a bridge between cultural and environmental research communities.

Highlights from their portfolio

• STORM
  Largest funded project (EUR 322,500), focused on technology-driven safeguarding of cultural heritage — directly aligned with their core mission of protecting Rome's monuments.
• Climate-fit.City
  Unusual cross-sector participation: a heritage authority contributing to pan-European urban climate services, showing how archaeological sites face climate risks alongside other urban infrastructure.