A general view of the Colosseum covered by scaffolding awaiting the start of the restoration work on October 9, 2013 in Rome, Italy. (Giorgio Cosulich/Getty Images)

The Colosseum has survived earthquakes, severe weather, countless wars, stone-robbers and almost two thousand years of neglect, but an ambitious restoration project is set to begin on December, with the goal of returning the crumbling monument to its former glory.

In September, four floors of scaffolding went up on the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire and one of Italy's most iconic symbols. The scaffolding is expected to – two-and-a-half years – as the ancient amphitheater's facade and entrances are rebuilt, according to the Telegraph.

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The current €25 million (around $33 million) project to restore the amphitheater, which once hosted spectacular shows and gladiatorial battles, is being, in exchange for advertising rights, according to CNN.

The announcement of della Valle's sponsorship in July 2012 has caused rumblings among heritage workers and restorers, but dellaValle has said he to other businessmen, both Italian and foreign, “to do the same to restore other monuments,” reported the New York Times.

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Culture officials say that the Colosseum, which welcomes around two million visitors a year, is during restoration, according to the Telegraph.

The ruins have been in need of restoration for years, especially after reports of fallen masonry and stone in the site.

In February 2012, caused the small walls of the Colosseum to crumble away and the site was forced to shut down temporarily, according to the Daily Mail.David Pickles, senior architect at , said the damage was an extreme version of the natural wear and tear buildings face during everyday weather.

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