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Fendi funds restoration of Rome's largest ancient temple

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-27

Fendi has contributed €2.5 million to restore the Temple of Venus and Rome, the largest known temple of ancient Rome, located in the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo. The 15-month project involved over 60 professionals and was completed during the emergency period. The intervention covered the architectural and decorative apparatus of the two cellae, dedicated to Venus Felix and Roma Aeterna, and included a new lighting system. Silvia Venturini Fendi commented on the site's personal significance, while Alfonsina Russo, director of the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo, highlighted the collaboration as a synthesis of Italian identity. The restoration is celebrated with a volume published by Electa, featuring photographs by Stefano Castellani, archival images, and photos from the Fendi Couture Fall/Winter 2019-2020 show held at the temple in homage to Karl Lagerfeld. This follows Fendi's previous support for the Trevi Fountain and the Fendi For Fountains project.

Key facts

  • Fendi contributed €2.5 million to restore the Temple of Venus and Rome.
  • The temple is the largest known religious building of ancient Rome, with over 200 columns of granite and porphyry.
  • The restoration lasted 15 months and involved over 60 professionals.
  • The project was carried out in collaboration with the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo.
  • The intervention covered the architectural and decorative apparatus of the two cellae, dedicated to Venus Felix and Roma Aeterna.
  • A new lighting system was installed to enhance the temple.
  • A volume published by Electa documents the restoration, with photos by Stefano Castellani and archival images.
  • Fendi previously funded the restoration of the Trevi Fountain and the Fendi For Fountains project.

Entities

Artists

  • Stefano Castellani
  • Karl Lagerfeld

Institutions

  • Fendi
  • Parco Archeologico del Colosseo
  • Electa

Locations

  • Rome
  • Italy
  • Temple of Venus and Rome
  • Palatine Hill
  • Velia

Sources