Tod's founder to restore Rome's Colosseum

ROME – The founder of Tod's luxury leather goods and footwear will foot the euro25 million ($34 million) to restore the Colosseum.

Government officials have accepted Diego Valle's offer to fund the restoration of the ancient Roman arena, which is blackened by pollution and rocked by vibrations from a nearby subway line.

Officials told a news conference Friday that work is expected begin at the end of the year, and will take up to two and a half years.

The monument will remain open to tourists during the restoration.