(RT) -- March 17, 2011

It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in Rome – an area where the past, present and future notably intertwine with little distance from each other.

An area that includes the Mausoleum of Saint Contanza – the eldest daughter of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great - who was laid to rest near the martyr she greatly admired, St. Agnes.

A resting place surrounded by ancient art from different time periods, golden mosaics that perfectly adorn the walls and faded paintings that can still be admired. 

But just outside the walls of this sanctified place where peace and quiet reigns, the drawings are much different. This “art work” offers a grim reality of what the local area has become.  Find out what one group of local citizens is doing to tackle the problem head-on.

Reporting for Rome Today,

Araceli - ITALY

RETAKE ROMA is a grassroots, non-profit, apolitical, non-sectarian movement, born of civic responsibility by citizens and residents of Rome who “speak-up and clean-up” while exchanging/practicing second languages. This volunteer organization operates under the auspices of the Fondazione Giuseppe Garibaldi ONLUS.

www.retakeroma.it