Millions of tourists head to the monument each year and it’s one of the most visited landmarks in Italy.
And now, the ancient Colosseum in Rome has been given a modern makeover.
It has recently undergone some renovations and the once characterful cobblestones along the southern wall have been replaced by marble pavestones.
Sleek, square benches have also been placed where pillars used to support more seating.
Both new additions have been crafted with the same type of marble used to build the impressive structure.
The new look has been curated to reflect how much bigger the Colosseum once was.
But it has not been received well by some who argue the changes look ‘too white’ and ‘modern’ for the ancient site, according to The Times.
Site director, Simone Quilici, has brushed off any backlash and defends the decision.
The ancient Colosseum in Rome, Italy has been given a modern makeover to its surrounding benches and pavements
It has recently undergone some renovations and the once characterful cobblestones along the southern wall have been replaced by marble pavestones
Sleek, square benches have also been placed where pillars used to support more seating
He told the publication, ‘This is by definition a modern restoration — we will leave the movies to do fake ancient Rome.’
As the stone ages it may look more in keeping with its surrounding, Simone argues.
He adds, ‘If the new marble gets a bit worn with time it will look a bit better.’
In fact, the paving stones were designed to be removable without a trace, meaning the ancient site won’t be impacted.
Barbara Nazzaro, the chief architect, reveals, ‘The paving is laid in such a way it can be removed without damaging the ancient foundations beneath.
‘If in 50 years we decide we don’t like it anymore, we can take it out. That was really important to us.’
In October, a 180-feet-long VIP underground passage through the Colosseum was opened to the public for the first time.
It was dug through the foundations and concealed from the attending masses but allowed Roman emperors to sneak out of the arena unseen.
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The new look has been curated to reflect how much bigger the Colosseum once was, but it has not been received well by some who argue the changes look ‘too white’ and ‘modern’ for the ancient site
Site director, Simone Quilici, has brushed off any backlash and defends the decision
Experts say it was created between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD – decades after the amphitheatre was originally built in the AD 70s.
Now, partially lit and ventilated by air vents, the passage is open to the public, letting visitors trace the same steps as Roman emperors.
Experts at the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum said the opening of the passage was of ‘extraordinary significance’.
‘It makes accessible and accessible for the first time ever a place so fascinating for its history, its architecture, and, not least, its decorative apparatus, which was for exclusive use and hidden from the public during the time of the emperors,’ they said.
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The Colosseum gets a modern makeover – but critics are unimpressed
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