Fendi to fund restoration of Tempio di Venere e Roma.

Luxury fashion house Fendi is to sponsor the €2.5 million restoration of Rome's Temple of Venus and Roma in the Roman Forum. 

Believed to have been the largest temple in ancient Rome, the Tempio di Venere e Roma was dedicated to the goddesses Venus Felix (Venus the Bringer of Good Fortune) and Roma Aeterna (Eternal Rome).

Its construction began in 121 under Emperor Hadrian and it was completed in 141.

News of the temple's restoration comes as an increasing number of Italian fashion brands step in to restore landmark sites in Rome.

Gucci is to provide €1.6 million for the restoration of Rome's Tarpeian Rock in a two-year project due for completion in 2021.

Shoe company Tod's provided €25 million to restore the Colosseum while Fendi spent €2 million on cleaning and repairing the Trevi Fountain, and recently announced a €280,000 project to clean four well-known Rome fountains.

Luxury jeweller Bulgari donated €1.5 million to clean the Spanish Steps and recently announced plans to restore the sacred area of Largo Argentina.