ItalyUpdate

Leading Italian shoe manufacturer TOD has signed an agreement with the Department of Archaeological Areas of Rome and Ostia Antica to sponsor much-needed restoration work on Romes most celebrated monument, the Colosseum. The sum involved is quoted as 25m. to be met by a non-profit Foundation Friends of the Colosseum, created by Diego Della Valle, head of TODS Spa.Work on the first phase of the restoration is programmed to start in March 2011. The Colosseum will remain open to the public while work is being carried out.