Rome to build a movie-themed amusement park

(AFP PHOTO /Tiziana Fabi)

In an effort to draw tourists to Rome, Mayor Gianni Alemanno and Cinecitta Entertainment unveiled an $800 million movie theme park based on classic titles, such as Ben-Hur and films like 8-1/2, by Federico Fellini, whose films helped create Cinecitta Studios.

One ride will feature the huge slide that Marcello Mastroianni traveled down in Fellini's City of Women, slipping down the memories of his sexual exploits. Other productions featured will include ideas inspired by La Dolce Vita and Satyricon by Fellini.

Oscar-winning production designer Dante Ferretti ( The Aviator) will design the concept, using the park at Universal Studios in Los Angeles as a model.

The goal is to attract four million visitors per year to the 400 acres (162 hectares) on the backlot of the former Dino De Laurentiis studio complex, Dino Studios.

Work on Cinecitta World will start next year. Part of the park projects plan to open in 2011, with the entire park completed by 2014.

RC