Archive · 28 Dec 2025
Rome's Marcus Aurelius Column Undergoes $2.3M Laser Restoration
Rome's famous Column of Marcus Aurelius is getting a big cleanup.
It's a very old monument, about 1,840 years old, and it's 100 feet tall.
The column tells the story of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his battles.
Over time, it got dirty from pollution.
Now, special people are using lasers to clean it.
The lasers gently remove the dirt without hurting the marble.
This is the biggest laser cleaning project in Italy.
It's expensive but does a better job than old ways of cleaning.
The work started in spring 2025 and will finish in early 2026.
The goal is to make the column look beautiful again while respecting its age and history.
Rome's 1,840-year-old Column of Marcus Aurelius is undergoing a $2.3 million laser restoration, the most extensive use of laser cleaning in Italy.
The 100-foot-tall monument celebrates Emperor Marcus Aurelius' victories and features a spiral frieze with over 2,000 figures.
18 specialist restorers are using handheld short-pulse lasers and chemical wraps to clean and repair the column, with work expected to conclude by early 2026.
Laser technology is chosen for its better restoration results, minimal damage to the marble, and respect for the stone's natural aging.
Additional techniques, including chemical wraps and resin applications, are used to repair erosion and cracks in the marble.
- Who
- 18 specialist restorers led by chief restorer Marta Baumgartner
- What
- Restoration of the Column of Marcus Aurelius using laser technology
- When
- Started in spring 2025, expected to conclude by early 2026
- Where
- Rome, Italy
- Why
- To remove decades of grime and pollution and reveal the white Carrara marble beneath
- Monument
- Column of Marcus Aurelius
- Age
- 1,840 years
- Height
- 100 feet
- Restoration Cost
- $2.3 million
- Restoration Start
- Spring 2025
- Restoration End
- Early 2026
- Restorers
- 18 specialists
- Laser Type
- Handheld short-pulse lasers