Lightning has damaged a 1,700-year-old arch near Rome’s Colosseum sending blocks of marble plummeting to the ground.
A violent thunderstorm on Tuesday loosened pieces from the Arch of Constantine, an ancient structure around 20m (70ft) high.
Workers from the Colosseum Archaeological Park in Rome were seen recovering blocks of fallen masonry on Wednesday.
In a statement, the organisation said: “The recovery work by technicians was timely. Our workers arrived immediately after the lightning strike. All of the fragments were recovered and secured.”
Workers have been inspecting the ancient arch for signs of damage. Pic: AP
Staff were also lifted by a crane on to the top of the arch to evaluate the extent of the damage.
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The structure was erected in 315AD to celebrate the victory of Emperor Constantine over Maxentius following the Battle of the Milvian Bridge.
The same lightning storm which caused the damage also brought down trees and flooded streets in the Italian capital.