Rome's Colosseum is getting a face-lift, thanks to a projected plan to rebuild the floor of the ancient arena.
The multimillion-dollar project is expected to be completed by 2023, with work due to start next year. The government is currently accepting engineering bids for the reconstruction.
The floor would be retractable, allowing visitors to still see the warren of underground tunnels and rooms that once housed gladiators and lions poised for battle.
"It will be a major technological intervention that will offer visitors the opportunity to not only see the underground rooms ... but also appreciate the beauty of the Colosseum while standing in the center of the arena," said Dario Franceschini, Italy's minister of culture.
In addition to offering an enhanced visitor experience, the Colosseum also will be able to host concerts and theatrical productions.