Faced with a significant decline in tourism, Rome's mayor dreams of building a theme park right next to the real thing depicting life in ancient Rome.
"Despite having the genuine marvels on offer, from the Colosseum to the Forum to the Pantheon, civic leaders feel it is not enough and want the new park to come complete with gladiators and Julius Caesar.
Mauro Cutrufo, the deputy mayor, said: "Our model is EuroDisney in Paris." The aim is to have the family friendly entertainment park or "Rome from Rome" open for customers within three to four years, he said.
Instead of Pirates of the Caribbean, visitors would be offered rides through a replica of the Colosseum, where they could watch gladiators fighting each other or wild animals, as the Emperor looked on."
Read the full story: Italy plans Disneyland-style theme park depicting Ancient Rome
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