SINCE 2011, Italian fashion brand Tod’s has, together with Rome’s Archaeological Heritage Department, undertaken a monumental project to restore the Colosseum in Rome back to its former glory.
The first phase of the restoration began in 2013 on the damaged Northern and Southern façades of the Colosseum, concluding in 2016 with a total of 13,300 sq m covered, including 31 arches and the replacement of the current arch enclosure system with brand new gates.
The Colosseum in Rome
The restoration of the Colosseum’s hypogea
Now, further congratulations are in order as Tod’s Group celebrates the completion of the second phase of the project. Started in December 2018 in partnership with the autonomous institute Parco Archeologico del Colosseo, this latest phase has seen the complete restoration of the Colosseum’s hypogea.
For the first time, visitors to the world-renowned monument can explore the underground tunnels and chambers where gladiators and wild animals once readied themselves for battle in the arena.
The restoration of the Colosseum’s hypogea
The restoration of the Colosseum’s hypogea
The restoration of the Colosseum’s hypogea
The second phase of the restoration, which involved more than 80 people and more than 55,700 hours of work, has seen a total area of 15,000 m² restored, with a 160 metre-long walkway opening up this hidden area to visitors like never before.
The restoration of the Colosseum’s hypogea
The restoration of the Colosseum’s hypogea
Next, the project will focus on repairing the galleries of the Colosseum’s second order, as well as relocating the service centre to allow for easier access.
To discover more about the restoration of the Colosseum’s hypogea, supported by Tod’s Group, watch the video below:
by Joshua Hendren