Franceschini reopens Pompeii's Palestra Grande

(ANSA) - Pompeii, August 3 - Culture Minister Dario Franceschini on Monday inaugurated the reopening to the public of Pompeii's Palestra Grande (Large Gymnasium) along with a permanent exposition of frescoes from the nearby town Moregine.
    Franceschini said that the tide has turned at the archaeological site and UNESCO inspectors agreed. "A few negative episodes won't cancel the formidable strength of this work," Franceschini said.
    The ancient Roman city has been dogged by labour strife recently, along with structural frailties, service dysfunctions, shut-off homes and other long-running problems like stray dogs and the possible infiltration of the local Camorra mafia.
    Less than two weeks ago, on July 24, the site unexpectedly closed to the public due to a meeting of labor unions, an action that Franceschini said caused "incalculable damage" to Pompeii by alienating visitors.