Rome's Luxury Brands Paying for Historic Renovations

Rome's iconic Spanish Steps are getting a makeover. High-end jeweler Bulgari is donating $2 million to the city of Rome to restore the staircase that connects the swank Piazza di Spagna with the Trinita dei Monti church above. It's the latest Italian luxury brand to step in to spruce up Rome's historic landmarks as public funding dips. Shoemaker Tod's has put up $35 million to restore the Colosseum, while fashion house Fendi is handling the Trevi fountain. The restoration announced today involves cleaning the travertine steps and repairing those that have been chipped since the last major renovation in 1995. Bulgari, whose flagship store is just down the street, offered the funding to mark its 130th anniversary. (More Italy stories.)