Rome's 1,840-year-old Column of Marcus Aurelius is undergoing a significant restoration using advanced laser technology, a project costing 2.3 million. This extensive laser cleaning aims to remove decades of grime and pollution, revealing the original white Carrara marble. The restoration, involving 18 specialists, began in spring 2025 and is expected to conclude by early 2026, employing handheld lasers and chemical wraps for precise cleaning of the monument's frieze.