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Usmanov, 61, Russia's third-richest person according to U.S.
magazine Forbes, said he had donated 1.5 million euros ($1.6
million) to renovate the nave of the Basilica Ulpia, built
almost 2,000 years ago under Emperor Trajan.
Bigger than most football pitches at about 60 meters by 180
meters, Usmanov described the basilica as "one of the largest
and most important civic buildings in ancient Rome". Last year
he gave 500,000 euros to help renovate Rome's Capitoline Museum.
Italian culture minister Dario Franceschini is under pressure
after major collapses of walls at Pompeii over the last two
years raised concerns about Italy's ability to maintain some of
the world's most treasured ancient sites.
Luxury leather group Tod's is donating about 25 million euros to
the Roman Colosseum and fashion house Fendi is paying to spruce
up the Trevi Fountain.
In Venice, Diesel jeans founder Renzo Rosso has sponsored repair
works on the Rialto bridge and Francois Pinault, founder of
Gucci-owner Kering, presided over a project to turn the Punta
Della Dogana into an art gallery.
(Reporting by Isla Binnie; Editing by Louise Ireland)
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