In Frattocchie, Italy, a McDonald's merges fast food with ancient history beneath its floors to offer a unique dining experience.
A transparent floor reveals skeletons and an ancient road, attracting both diners and history enthusiasts, The Mirror reported.
In 2014, construction at McDonald's Frattocchie uncovered a 2,000-year-old road, believed to be part of the historic Appian Way. The discovery paused construction as archaeologists took over.
Excavations revealed three third-century skeletons, prompting further exploration of the area's historical significance. The road, once part of ancient Rome, had served as a burial ground.
As the excavation expanded, the team found a fourth skeleton under a nearby petrol station, with a coin in its mouth—a burial practice for Charon, the mythological figure who transported souls across the river of the dead.
McDonald's seized the opportunity to enhance the dining experience by installing transparent glass panels in the restaurant's floor, allowing customers to view these historical finds while enjoying their meals. The project, which cost 300,000 euros over three years, aimed to preserve and showcase the archaeological discoveries.
The site attracted extensive media attention when social media influencer Kassidy visited and shared a viral TikTok video, which received over 1.2 million views. "There's an absolute skeleton...in a McDonald's," Kassidy exclaimed, capturing the surreal experience of dining above ancient remains.
The video sparked a range of reactions online, from humor to awe. Comments like "I don't think I want a McRib anymore" and "It McDoubles as a crypt" reflected the unusual mix of modern fast food and ancient burial practices.
Pamela Cerino, an archaeologist involved with the excavation, shared insights into the findings. "The skeletons belong to three men, the oldest of whom was aged 35-40," she noted.
Mario Federico, chief of McDonald's Italia, championed the blend of ancient and modern, referring to the establishment as "our first museum-restaurant." Federico emphasized the collaboration, stating, "The project is a good example of how the public and private sectors can collaborate effectively on reclaiming cultural heritage."
The Frattocchie McDonald's now serves as both a quick meal spot and a bridge to the past, educating visitors about the region's rich history. The park blends archaeological preservation with commercial development to offer a novel approach to heritage management.
As global interest in this unique McDonald's grows, it showcases innovative heritage preservation. Visitors leave with a satisfied appetite and a deeper appreciation of history.
In summary, the Frattocchie McDonald's has transformed from a fast-food outlet into a cultural landmark, revealing ancient roads and skeletons beneath its floors. This fusion of dining and historical exploration proves that history can be accessible and engaging in unexpected places.
