The Colosseum in Rome, Italy is looking pretty splendid right about now!
If you’ve traveled to this popular educational attraction on a student tour recently then you’re probably aware that it’s been getting a bit of a makeover and TLC that it’s so direly needed. Five years ago, Diego Della Valle, CEO of the luxury fashion company Tod’s, stepped forward to financially take on one of the most ambitious tasks in the world- restore Rome’s famed Colosseum to all its glory.
Italy has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country, and the Colosseum is one of them. Built between 70-80 A.D., the Colosseum was beginning to show its age. With pieces reportedly falling off and a thick dark coating of pollution, the Colosseum was also showing signs of a more modern time. However, that’s no longer the case as phase one of the multi-million dollar project has been completed.
The facade has been painstakingly and meticulously cleaned by experts, damaged mortar has been replaced in numerous archways, and new gates have replaced the arch enclosure system. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, hailed the tremendous clean-up project as an example for protecting the country’s vast cultural heritage. Diego Della Valle echoed the Prime Minister’s words saying “we have the duty to protect this heritage for everyone.” The project now turns its attention to phase two, repairing the underground vaults, passageways, and building a visitor’s center.
Even though work has already begun on phase two of the restoration process, it’ll be a little while longer before the amphitheater is restored completely to its grandeur of ancient times. Though the process with be rigorous, no detail will be overlooked. Students, teachers, and educational travelers will once again marvel at its architectural glory and wonder of its tales.
You know what they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Until next time,
Kate.