Monumental pine tree collapses, closing cemetery where Antonio Gramsci is buried

The Non-Catholic Cemetery for Foreigners in Rome , where the tomb of Antonio Gramsci is located, among others, has been closed for security reasons .

The decision came after the building - which houses, in addition to those of the intellectual and politician from Ales , also the remains of the English poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley and of Andrea Camilleri and Giorgio Napolitano - risked tragedy due to the collapse of one of the monumental pine trees located inside the enclosure .

If there were no injuries, it is probably only because the accident occurred at night , between November 3 and 4.

Investigations into the causes of the collapse are underway by a team of experts , along with operations to remove and secure the trees and burials involved. A complex job that no one knows when it will be finished.

And to allow the reopening as soon as possible, at the same time guaranteeing "the best future for both the urban forest and the monuments it houses and surrounds", a fundraiser has been launched . "We are relieved that this accident occurred at night and that no one was involved" says director Yvonne A. Mazurek, on behalf of the Non-Catholic Cemetery Association for Foreigners in Rome, explaining that the fallen pine tree was in "excellent health" after the latest checks. "It had been subjected to traction tests about six months ago and deemed safe. The entire urban forest, which we consider an integral and precious part of the cemetery, is subjected to an annual cycle of agronometric monitoring, pruning and phytopharmacological treatments".

Various professionals - restorers, geologists, archaeologists, art historians, photographers - are now working together with the team of tree cultivators to document and assess the damage and to secure the area.

"The work is extensive and complex, it is carried out in a synergic way but it requires a time that is still difficult to quantify. The families involved, who are our priority, will be contacted once the reconnaissance is concluded. We ask all visitors to understand the situation. All our efforts are aimed at reopening this much-loved place in the shortest time possible, trying to do so in a way that guarantees the best future for both the urban forest and the monuments that it welcomes and surrounds", assures the director.

(Unioneonline/vl)