Italy seeks private funds to restore one of its symbols: the Colosseum

Italy seeks private sponsors to restore Colosseum

ROME — Italian officials are seeking to raise some euro25 million (about $32 million) in private money to finance the restoration of one of the country’s iconic landmarks: the Colosseum.

“Colosseum, hunting for private sponsors,” was the headline Thursday in newspaper Corriere della Sera.

The Culture Ministry says the government will accept bids from possible sponsors from Aug. 4 to Sept. 15.

The ministry says in a statement that sponsors funding the project will be able to “promote their image,” but that any ads will have to be compatible with the decorum of the 2,000-year-old arena.

Officials said Thursday the Rome city hall is also looking to charge tourists a few extra euros (dollars) in tax for hotels and some museums.