The Leaning Tower of Pisa: It leans either right or left–depending on your point of view. Perfectly apolitical.
Florence’s Uffizi: Built in 1560, the Uffizi is one of the strongest buildings in the country. Iron reinforcements bolster windows. Dish-dull discussions could be enlivened by the artistic surroundings. Spouses (not to mention the protesters) could spend days at Gucci’s and Prada’s warehouse outlets–outside the city.
The catacombs of Rome: Miles and miles of underground tombs. Mobs would get lost. And note: martyrs have long been buried there, lest the protesters get a little rough.
The Sistine Chapel: The election chamber for papal conclaves, cut off from the world and most especially the media. Puffs of smoke from its famous chimney? Apt, considering the cryptic utterances of world leaders.
Mount Vesuvius: Vulcan on hand to stop any trouble. Even if it’s by smothering with lava.
Uninspired Eurocrats will no doubt opt for the ship. But please, do take the “Love Boat” for a day trip to the north, where fishermen still retrieve cluster bombs ditched by NATO pilots after 1999 attacks on Kosovo. That way, protesters needn’t even appear. Their message would be on the horizon for the world to see.
