CNN is reporting that plans to restore Rome's nearly 2,000-year-old Colosseum are "causing rumblings" among heritage workers and restorers. According to reports, small amounts of powdery rock had fallen off the monument in October.
Restoration of the monument, which attracts up to two million visitors a year, is due to go ahead in March and will involve cleaning of the travertine exterior, the restoration of underground chambers, new gating, the moving of visitor service stations to an area outside of the building itself and increased video security.
The current $33 million restoration plans to restore the Flavian amphitheater, which once hosted spectacular shows and gruesome gladiatorial battles, are being sponsored by Diego della Valle, of luxury Italian brand Tod's, in exchange for advertising rights.
But members of the Restorers Association of Italy are unhappy about the plans, which they believe has sidelined them in favor of non-specialist restorers and which the groups president, Carla Tomasi, says "run the risk of causing irreparable damage to the monument."