Italian entrepreneur is ready to finance the restoration of the Colosseum

Rome - Italian entrepreneur Diego Della Valle proposed to secure funding for the reconstruction of the Roman Colosseum. He called on other Italian entrepreneurs to follow his example and fund the reconstruction of Pompeii or Venice.
   "We want to do something for the great symbols of our country and we want to do it quickly because it is essential," Della Valle, who owns the footwear group Tod's and is one of Italy's leading entrepreneurs, told the press on Thursday.
    "We cannot wait until (the Colosseum) becomes new Pompeii," he said, referring to the recent collapse of the House of Gladiators and several walls in that ancient city.
    The Rome City Hall and the Ministry of Culture announced a tender for the restoration of the Colosseum in August. It concluded in October, but according to Roberto Cecchi from the Ministry of Culture, there was no satisfactory bid.
    Della Valle is ready to provide 25 million euros (625 million CZK), which is estimated to be needed for the reconstruction. He emphasized that he does not want to sponsor the monument for commercial purposes. "You won't see huge advertisements for shoes on the Colosseum," he declared. The entrepreneur wants to provide only money and leave the actual reconstruction to the authorities.
    "We consider it a matter of honor and duty to contribute to the promotion of the image and credibility of our country," his company stated in a press release. The entrepreneur's offer is valid until the end of the year.
    Della Valle called on other entrepreneurs to follow his lead. In his view, the state should encourage patrons to save the national heritage, especially through favorable taxes. The Ministry of Culture stated that they are in talks with Diego Della Valle's group.
    The number of visitors to the Colosseum has increased to six million per year over the decades, in part due to Ridley Scott's blockbuster Gladiator from 2000.
    The Colosseum began construction between 70 and 72 AD under Emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Emperor Titus. It is the largest amphitheater built in the Roman Empire, measuring 188 by 156 meters and standing 48.5 meters tall. It can hold between 50,000 and 75,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial games and other public performances. It served its purpose for nearly 500 years.