IN STEP: The restoration of Rome’s Spanish Steps, financed by the Bulgari Group, kicked off this week.
Last March the Italian jewelry company announced its intention to donate 1.5 million euros, or $1.7 million at current exchange, to bring the Eternal City’s landmark back to its original splendor.
“We are delighted to announce the start of work on the renovation of the Spanish Steps, the project Bulgari has chosen to pay tribute to its city to mark its 130th anniversary, celebrated in 2014,” said Bulgari Group chief executive officer Jean-Christophe Babin. “Rome’s rich archaeological, artistic and architectural heritage has always been an inexhaustible source of inspiration for our collections. The extraordinary patronage of a monument which represents the heart of our story is yet another expression of the indissoluble bond between Bulgari and the Eternal City.”
“At the end of this important project directed by the Sovrintendenza, we will return to the city a place which symbolises Rome in Italy and throughout the world,” said Ignazio Marino, Mayor of Rome. “We owe this gift to the generosity of the Bulgari Group, which has reached us in a particularly important year for the capital: the year of the Jubilee of Mercy. During the Holy Year millions of pilgrims will have the opportunity to admire the treasures of Rome and to appreciate this administration’s work to enhance the city’s cultural heritage in partnership with leading businesses such as Bulgari.”
This is the most recent restoration project in Rome financed by a fashion company. Previously, Tod’s supported the renovation of the Colosseum, while Fendi focused on the Trevi fountain.