Rome’s Constantine Arch Damaged by Lightning Strike Amid Violent Storm

A lightning strike during a violent storm in Rome on Tuesday caused damage to the ancient Constantine Arch near the Colosseum, prompting immediate recovery efforts by authorities.

The storm, which unleashed heavy rain and strong winds on the Italian capital, also caused widespread flooding and damage across the city.

Workers from the Colosseum Archeological Park secured the area around the Constantine Arch after the lightning strike loosened fragments of white marble from the structure. The fragments were collected and secured, and the extent of the damage is currently being evaluated. The arch, built in 315 AD to commemorate Emperor Constantine’s victory over Maxentius, is a significant historical monument and stands over 80 feet tall.

The storm, which brought over 2.36 inches of rain—equivalent to a month’s average rainfall—within an hour, caught residents and authorities off guard. The intense weather event, described by Rome’s mayor Roberto Gualtieri as a “downburst,” led to the closure of roads and flooding in various parts of the city, including the lower tunnels of the Colosseum.

Tourists visiting the Constantine Arch on Wednesday reported finding fragments of marble, which they handed over to park workers. Jana Renfro, a 69-year-old tourist from Indiana, expressed her surprise at discovering the pieces, calling the experience “surreal.”

The storm also caused other disruptions in Rome, including the collapse of scaffolding at the Circus Maximus and flooding at the Trevi Fountain. Local authorities are continuing to assess the damage and are preparing for more severe weather forecasted for later in the week.

The incident is part of a broader trend of extreme weather events in Italy, with experts attributing the increase in frequency and intensity to climate change. In 2023, Italy experienced 378 extreme climate events, a 22% increase from the previous year, according to environmental agency Legambiente.

Rome’s mayor, along with the Civil Protection agency and other local departments, is coordinating efforts to address the damage caused by the storm. The Constantine Arch, already undergoing scheduled renovations, will now require additional repair work due to the lightning strike.

With input from CNN, the Associated Press and the Guardian.