Things fall apart.

The article looks at how economic austerity measures in Italy as of 2012 is affecting the preservation of the nation's heritage sites. Several sites are mentioned as demonstrating severe damage including the Royal Palace of Caserta near Naples and the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Topics include Italy's Green Party's efforts to preserve the fountain, cultural advocates' assertions that budget cuts should not come from the preservation budget, and the role tourism plays in the country's economy.