Tod’s Group is proud to support the restoration of the Colosseum, the renowned symbol of Italian history.

THE INTERVENTION PLAN

The “intervention plan” for the restoration of the Flavian amphitheatre is a project requested by the government commissioner for Rome’s archaeological areas and Ancient Ostia in collaboration with the Special Superintendent for the Colosseum and the Rome’s Archaeological Heritage and supported by Tod's.

The first part of the intervention plan is completed with the restoration of the northern and southern prospectus (approximately 13,300 square meters), and the replacement of the actual locking system of arches with new gates.

The plan foresees the restoration of the ambulatory and basements of the Colosseum, the retrofit compliance and implementation of standard equipment and the creation and repositioning from internal to an external visitors’ service and reception area.

  • BEFORE AND AFTER THE RESTORATION: PHOTOS
    Result of the first phase of the restoration project: the Colosseum has been restored to its original splendor.
  • BEFORE AND AFTER THE RESTORATION: PHOTOS
    Result of the first phase of the restoration project: the Colosseum has been restored to its original splendor.
  • BEFORE AND AFTER THE RESTORATION: PHOTOS
    Result of the first phase of the restoration project: the Colosseum has been restored to its original splendor.
THE PHASES OF RESTORATION
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Photo mapping and surface detection for the restoration.
Washing with atomized water: the alternating action of the water mist and brushing with sorghum brushes, gradually removes the deposits of dirt, reveals the cracks in the monument and safeguards the patina of time.
Rebonding of travertine chips using lime mortar and by injection of liquid hydraulic mortar.
Mortar preparation: sieving of black pozzolana.<br> Application of mortar with a pointing trowel.<br> Pointing treatment blends mimetically with the travertine surfaces.
Mechanical removal of cements using micro-chisels.
Removal of deposits not pertinent to the original surface by localized precision micro-sandblasting.
Replacing the existing closure systems with iron gate closures.

COLOSSEUM MAPPING

COLOSSEUM MAPPING

A unique classification, for the benefit of future studies and restorations.
The revised restitution of the monument relief allowed the transfer of all the information stored in the construction site records into digital format, creating four different mappings: state of conservation, constitutive elements, preservative interventions and execution technique.

STATE OF CONSERVATION
Preliminary documentation which locates the different types of alteration and/or degradation found on the monuments surfaces before the preservative intervention.
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CONSTITUTIVE ELEMENTS
Identification of every construction element and its material.
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CONSERVATIVE INTERVENTIONS
Identification and location of the conservative interventions done during the present restoring intervention.
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EXECUTION TECHNIQUE
Punctual studies and surveys of the work have provided us with further useful indications to increase the knowledge of the monument's construction technique, and to locate the remakes starting from the most ancient.
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STATE OF CONSERVATION

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Widespread occurrence of micro-organisms (algae and lichens) caused by the travertine's morphological properties as well as by the micro-climatic conditions. This phenomenon caused a superficial blackening which seemed particularly focused on the mapped areas.
These thick coats give the monument a pleasant chromatic aspect and their colour extends from golden yellow to pink, orange-red, brown and finally dark grey.
Build-up of different extraneous materials with a minimum thickness (atmospheric particles, dust, soil, guano) which lead to foresee the underlying coats of oxalate.
Solid and uniform deposit which characterized the areas which were not directly exposed to the placer mining. The build-up made by atmospheric particles, dust, soil and guano prevented the interpretation of the underlying coats of oxalate.
Solid crust made mostly by atmospheric particles with a variable thickness (up to 1cm). In some areas the deposit spontaneously detached from the substrate which usually was more uneven.
Fallen or lost parts which acquire specific shapes according to the structural features or the weaving. Mappings have been made of the areas where the phenomenon was more evident.
Different kinds of weeds have been found, which are caused by the exposure and by the micro climatic changes. Among them, caper bushes were found, which caused instability inside the masonry, due to their substantial root structure.
Degradation caused by the total or partial detachment of pieces, often in corrispondence of the original material's discontinuity.
Material removal from the surface caused by different processes; this phenomenon was particularly clear down the stone facing at the 3rd order of the southern prospect.
Degradation caused by the development of cavities of different shape and size. This phenomenon is often observed lengthwise the areas that are more exposed to pouring rain.
Iron elements are characterized by a dusty coat of the corrosion products. Stains were found locally, caused by the absorption of the iron oxides inside the porosity of the stone.
Degradation caused by the development of the solutions of discontinuity of the material which can imply the repositioning of both parts. This phenomenon is produced mainly by mechanic causes: structural movements, expansion of the iron pivots, natural causes in the structure.

CONSTITUTIVE ELEMENTS

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Beside the travertine stone facing, there are portions in brick work, groutings and topgroutings in cement conglomerate, clamps, gratings, railings and iron structures.
Down the stone facing, beside some traces of ancient mortars, many grountings from previous conservative restorations can be noticed.
Consolidation work from the '50-'60, years in which hundreds of iron and bronze pivots were inserted. A greater concentration was found lengthwise on the northern prospect's four orders.

CONSERVATIVE INTERVENTIONS

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In order to remove the micro organisms, the entire surface has been treated with a biocide product; in order to dry the weeds an anti fouling product has been used, applying it directly on the leaves.
Mechanic cleaning of the iron elements and conservative treatment with a rust converter which is able to turn the oxide into a stable product.
This method of cleaning has been used only on the top of the monument and on the mortar groutings in order to remove the deposits and the micro organisms.
Cleaning of the surfaces in order to remove the superficial deposits of extraneous matter with the action of sprinkled water, by means of an hydraulic system especially designed and assembled to meet the monument's necessities.
In order to remove less soluble organic deposits, localized cellulose wraps soaked in detergent products were used which are efficient for cleaning, but not aggressive on the underlying stone.
In order to consolidate the gaps found on the masonry, injections of highly adhesive and filling hydraulic mortars were fulfilled. The bonding of small detached fragments has been obtained with epoxy resins charged with marble dust.
Basalt, steel and/or fibreglass pivots were inserted in order to improve the adhesion and to guarantee the sealing power for bigger fragments.
The sealing with new groutings has represented an important action of preservation and safeguarding of the monument as it reduced water infiltration inside the masonry. In order to improve the visual impact, some pre-existing cement groutings have been coloured.

EXECUTION TECHNIQUE

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Every block is identified with a consecutive number which identifies it uniquely.
Partition of the unitary elements as classified by the architectonical orders: protruding decoration parts, arches, columns, bases, architraves, pilasters, etc.
The study of the blocks weaving and the orientation of the sedimentation plan is indicative for the interpretation of the monument's building sequences.
For each travertine block, the signs left by finishing tools on the surfaces have been observed.
The mapping shows the modern travertine integrations.
PROJECT NUMBERS
10.150 m²
square meters of travertine surfaces
restored
1.700 KG
of different colour and graininess
lime and inerts
13.000
photos taken to document
the Colosseum Restoration
1.200 m²
of gates, frames and iron parapets
81.895
identified elements in the northern
and southern prospect
INTERVIEWS WITH PEOPLE WHO WORKED ON THE PROJECT
Watch the videos showing first-rate experts working with passion and dedication to restore the ultimate symbol of Italy.

 

Cinzia Conti
SITE OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Arch. Gisella Capponi
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER
Rossella Rea
DIRECTOR OF THE COLOSSEUM
Arch. Pia Petrangeli
HEAD OF THE SPONSORSHIP PROCESS
Heidy Dato
RESTORERS CREW CHIEF
found memories
A bas-relief about 60 cm in height depicting a gladiator; the work is attributable to the original Flavian construction.
The bas-reliefs depicting the Christ on the altar, flanked by two burning candlesticks belonging to the Santissimo Salvatore ad Sancta Sanctorum Confraternity, date back to the late 1300s.
In the northern prospect of the Colosseum, down the lower frame of the attic, the notches alternate the washers. Each washer is different from the other.
On the Keystone and on the two adjacent blocks of the arch 65, traces of three plaques painted in 1386 were found: the restoration revealed the Roman Senate emblem and the colours of a Christ's fresco on the altar between two burning candelabra which belonged to the Santissimo Salvatore ad Sancta Sanctorum Confraternity.
During the restoration many iron nails were found which position and shape are attributable to the operations of architectonic relief made during the 1800's.
AN ARENA OF LIGHTS AND COLORS
AN ARENA OF LIGHTS AND COLORS
The restored Colosseum shows to the public its night lights and colors show.
Tod’s, in collaboration with the Special Superintendent for the Colosseum and the Rome’s Archaeological Heritage, celebrated the Colosseum restoration by offering to the city of Rome and to its guests the opportunity of enjoying from the arena an expressly created lights and colors show. #TODSFORCOLOSSEUM

"An arena of lights and colors” is part of Tod’s projects
supporting Italian artistic and cultural heritage.

The show will take place from the August 3rd to October 16th, twice a week (on Wednesday and Sunday), from 9:00 pm 'till 11:30 pm, with the last entrance estimated around 11 pm. Free access to the arena will be applied, for every entrance slot, to three groups of guests, each formed of 25-30 people. The duration of every round is approximately 20 minutes. The show can be booked by calling the number 06/39967700, or by coming directly to the ticket office located outside the Monument entrance.

 
THE CONCERT
 
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THE CONCERT
A unique event dedicated to the restoration of the Colosseum and the Italian culture.
The Scala Theatre Academy directed by Zubin Metha and Tod's celebrate the restoration of the Colosseum.
A tribute to Italy, its culture, its beauty and its talents.
Watch the 360° video

Dal 2 Luglio al 31 Agosto
dalle ore 20.00 alle ore 24.00

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THE HISTORY OF THE COLOSSEUM
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The construction of the Colosseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheater, was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian.
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Titus, the son of Emperor Flavius, completed the construction work. Inaugural games and festivals lasted for 100 days.
‘400 - ‘500
The Colosseum was ruined because of damage caused by a number of earthquakes and, in the same years, it underwent several cycles of restoration (which continued even after the fall of the Empire).
1349
Another earthquake caused the outer south side to collapse. Due to the destruction caused by many earthquakes, the Colosseum was used as source of building material for several years: its travertine blocks can be found in recent buildings such as Palazzo Barberini and the Port of Ripetta.
1675
During the Jubilee, the Colosseum was consecrated in memory of the Christian martyrs who lost their lives there.
1980
The Colosseum was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2013
The restoration works that will bring the Colosseum back to its former glory officially begin.