The arch was built in 315 to celebrate Emperor Constantine's victory at the Battle of Ponte Milvio
The ancient Arch of Constantine in Rome was struck by lightning during a heavy storm, causing some pieces to fall, an official said Wednesday.
“All the fragments have been recovered and secured” after the attack on Tuesday afternoon, a spokeswoman for the Colosseum archaeological park told AFP.
“The damage has already been assessed and the analyses are continuing this morning. The construction site is already operational,” she added.
Maintenance work was already taking place on Monday on the arch, which was built in 315 to commemorate Emperor Constantine's victory at the Battle of Ponte Milvio.
At about 25 metres high, it is the largest of the three triumphal arches still preserved in Rome. It is located along the route followed by triumphal processions, near the Colosseum.
After a hot, dry summer, the centre of Rome was hit by a sudden storm on Tuesday afternoon, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, thunder and lightning.
More than 80 millimeters (3.1 inches) of rain fell per square meter in the historic center, about the same amount as falls in an average month in autumn, according to the municipality.
The downburst caused flooding and wind gusts of up to 90 kilometers per hour (56 mph), which toppled trees, the report said.
According to experts, climate change is causing changing weather patterns and an increase in the number of extreme weather events.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that the problem of climate change and its impact on our lives is now unavoidable for everyone,” said Roberto Gualtieri, Mayor of Rome.
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