Virtual Rome - Alberto Sordi's 80th Birthday

On June 15th, 2000, Alberto Sordi turned 80. Not too often the birthday of a showman is a great event. But for Rome, Alberto was much more than an actor, a comedian or an author: he was, and still is, a real legend. To celebrate this special date, his city decided to pay him the warmest tribute: he was symbolically declared Mayor of Rome for one day. No other movie artist had ever received such a high acknowledgment. At 10 AM, in the Town Hall on the Capitolium hill, Rome's Mayor (by that time, Francesco Rutelli) handed over his three-coloured ribbon to Alberto, who later also was greeted also by the Italian President (by that time, Azeglio Ciampi) and by the Premier (by that time, Massimo D'Alema).	Alberto wearing the mayor's three-coloured band

On June 15th, 2000, Alberto Sordi turned 80.

Not too often the birthday of a showman is a great event. But for Rome, Alberto was much more than an actor, a comedian or an author: he was, and still is, a real legend.
To celebrate this special date, his city decided to pay him the warmest tribute: he was symbolically declared Mayor of Rome for one day.
No other movie artist had ever received such a high acknowledgment.

At 10 AM, in the Town Hall on the Capitolium hill, Rome's Mayor (by that time, Francesco Rutelli) handed over his three-coloured ribbon to Alberto, who later also was greeted also by the Italian President (by that time, Azeglio Ciampi) and by the Premier (by that time, Massimo D'Alema).

Alberto wearing the mayor's three-coloured ribbon

Alberto wearing the mayor's three-coloured band

At 12 AM Alberto officially reopened Torre delle Milizie, a tall 13th century tower located by Trajan's Markets, which had undergone restoration works.

Then, in the evening, he was once again the guest of honour at the Town Hall, while his most famous cult movie, Un americano a Roma, was publicly shown in the Capitolium Square, where a crowd of fans crammed for the occasion.

So June 15th, 2000, has been a memorable day, both for the artist and for the city.