The Colosseum is shrinking piece by piece--since last May, chunks of rock have been falling from the structure. Long-set restoration plans continue to be delayed in spite of the alarming deterioration.

The nearly 2,000-year-old structure has suffered in recent years after government cuts resulted in underfunding of the monument. With six million visitors a year, rampant pollution, and subway lines shaking the volcanic rock walls, the Colosseum is in desperate need of repair. The current restoration plan, with a budget of $33 million, is funded by a brand of luxury Italian shoes and accessories in exchange for advertising. The delayed restoration is set to begin in March and will clean the exterior stone walls, restoration of chambers underground, increased security, and improvements for a better visitor experience.

Members of the Restorers Association of Italy are not pleased with the planned repairs, stating that the workers hired to perform the restoration are not skilled or trained for this kind of historical work. The group’s President, Carla Tomasi, believes they “run the risk of causing irreparable damage to the monument.” Although many of the world’s best restorers live and work in Italy, budget decisions led to the hiring of non-specialist restorers. Collosseum Director Rossella Rea assures the public that the workmen who will be performing the job are more specialized in architectural restoration than the Restorers Association acknowledges.

While the restoration is a big step in preserving one of the world’s most iconic structures, continuing damage from nearby streets and subway lines have yet to be addressed. Heavy car traffic tarnishes the outside of the Colosseum with pollution. The vibrations from the subway are also damaging the building. As Rome continues to balance its rich history with modern urban development, we can only hope that the 50,000-seat amphitheater stands up against the city growing around it.