The end of the first phase of
renovation of Rome's Colosseum was celebrated Friday with the
restoration of the exterior of the gladiators' arena.
Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said the completion of the
first part of the project was a "sensational signal to the
world", at a ceremony marking the event, also attended by
Culture Minister Dario Franceschini and Italian luxury
entrepreneur Diego della Valle.
Renzi added that the first phase of the renovation had
ended slightly ahead of schedule.
The world-famous monument built in the Italian capital
between 79-80 AD has been undergoing a 25-million-euro
renovation since 2013, funded by Della Valle's shoe giant Tod's.
The second phase of the renovation, also funded by Della
Valle, will concern the Hypogeum (underground) area of the
Colosseum.
At the ceremony on Friday, Franceschini said work to give
the Colosseum a floor so that its interior regains the original
appearance should be completed by 2018.
"The work for the arena should be completed within three
years (of the allocation of funding) and therefore in 2018",
Franceschini said.
The minister said that giving the Colosseum a floor will
enable it to become the venue for cultural events, including
concerts and shows.
It is currently not possible to walk around the middle of
the Colosseum as its network of underground tunnels and pits is
exposed.
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