It is the love for its city that has led Fendi to continue with its commitment to the restoration initiatives of different monuments in Rome. Its relationship with the world of art and culture is a historical link made of values such as innovation, tradition, creativity and Italian culture, which over the years has been strengthened thanks to these sponsorship projects aimed at supporting and exporting Italian art and culture in the world.

This is how Fendi, together with the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo, present the book Il Tempio di Venere e Roma, whose pages reflect the completion of the restoration and improvement of the Temple of Venus and Rome with photographs taken by Stefano Castellani.

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Its raw canvas cover with bronze laminated graphics references the colours of the monument. It also contains photos from the Fendi Couture fashion show held in the Venus cell in July 2019. The book is presented by: Dario Franceschini — Minister of Culture, Alfonsina Russo — director of the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo, and Silvia Venturini Fendi — artistic director of accessories and menswear at Fendi.

The restoration plan began in September 2020 and was completed in July 2021. The working relationship that emerged between the Parco and Fendi made it possible to achieve all the planned objectives, despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic.

“Today, I am delighted to work hand in hand with the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo in the restoration of the Temple of Venus and Rome, a site that holds special memories for me and many others around the world. The Palatine Hill and its surroundings lie at the very heart of our Roman mythology: It is the spiritual birthplace of our city and a site of great historical importance. You can feel it in the air, and when the sun sets on the Temple of Venus and Rome on the edge of Velia Hill at night, there is a moment when time stands still and the buzz of modern life fades into the background,” says designer Silvia Venturini Fendi.

With an innovative transformation, the Temple of Venus and Rome becomes an exceptional construction due to its original architectural design that combines Hellenistic proportions and spatiality with Roman urban and construction techniques. In addition, it stands out for the richness of the architectural decorations, the contrasts of colours and the symphony of marble on the floor surfaces. The walls housed marble statues, while in the apses the gigantic cult statues of the divinities stand out.

The rays of light, which alternate warm and cold tones on the different surfaces, outline the old walls and show the volumes of the cells of the Goddesses, demonstrating how light can be an instrument of communication of the restorations carried out.

Thanks to Fendi, the largest temple of ancient Rome is finally opening to the public in its entirety, and the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo is proud to return a piece of ancient splendour to the eternal and wondrous city.

This article first appeared on L’Officiel Singapore.

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