The Dioscuri, the Ancient Roman statues of demigods Castor and Pollux that have stood outside the presidential Quirinale Palace since it was the home of popes in the 16th century, were unveiled in all their former glory Friday after a 240-day restoration for the Roman Catholic Jubilee Holy Year.
Saluting the return of the sons of Jupiter and Leda, Capitoline superintendent Claudio Parisi Presicce said "one is mortal and the other human, who exchanged their nature every six months and are therefore the symbol of fraternal harmony.
"And this Hill is the symbol of welcome".
Rome Mayor Robero Gualtieri said this message was "fully in line with the Jubilee year.
"A demanding intervention," said Gualtieri, "carried out in a short time that gives us wonders and anticipates the restoration of the facades of the square.
