The Colosseum in Rome is set to get a complete makeover this year, thanks to Italian fashion group Tod’s. Having completed the first phase of its 18 million euro ($20 million) update last week, the amphitheatre is just one of many historical monuments to be renovated with a little help from private donors.
For the first phase, the location that once saw gladiators tangling with lions and hosted up to 80,000 spectators, was water-sprayed to remove centuries of crusted dirt and grime to restore it to its former glory. Works to strengthen the arched structures of the northern and southern facades and replace metal gates and barriers in the ground level arches have also been completed.
The second phase of the restoration will see the area floor rebuilt to allow the venue to host concerts, cultural events and reenactments of shows once enjoyed by ancient Romans. The original flooring of the 159-foot structure was removed by excavators in the late 19th century. Other pieces of the exterior structure were removed for construction projects around the city, including the underground. The final product of the renovation is set to introduce a new visitor center and some much needed maintenance of the underground vaults that once held wild animals and prisoners.
Other historical Italian sites recently restored by fashion houses include the Trevi fountain that saw a 16-month clean-up, paid for by Roman fashion house Fendi. Another historic center in the capital to receive some much needed TLC (tender-loving-care), are the Spanish steps, thanks to jewelry watchmaking firm Bulgari.
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