The 12 rules (+1) to be a good visitor at the Colosseum

In a series of shocking incidents, at the start of the summer the Colosseum has fallen victim to a wave of vandalism, leaving locals and tourists alike appalled. Over the course of several weeks, three individuals were caught in the act of disfiguring the world-famous ancient structure using keys and markers.

While surveillance has increased, the authorities have deemed it necessary to publish a set of guidelines for visitors, now online on the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo’s official website. These rules, designed to preserve the integrity of the magnificent monument and ensure its respectful treatment, serve as a reminder that the Parco, despite its name, is not an amusement park, but a site of historical significance that demands reverence.

Rather than list the 10 rules here, we’d like to comment on them, grouping them together to explain why they were created in the first place.

While at the Colosseum, mind where you go!

A record number of 9 rules deal with simply “walking” in the giant landmark (which includes the Fora and the Palatine Hill). Don’t believe us?

Let’s see:

• “Areas closed to the public are off-limits to visitors”
• “No walking or loitering outside of marked walking paths”
• “Visitors are asked to respect designated walking paths”
• “Pay attention to the pavement along walking paths at all times”
• “No running”
• “Visitors may only follow walking paths open to the public”
• “Visitors are advised to exercise caution on uneven steps”
• “Appropriate footwear is advised (high heels and flip-flops are not recommended)”
• “Visitors are advised to exercise caution on uneven steps”

Overkill, huh? Or perhaps the authorities at the Colosseum are emphasizing the above because people are absent-minded and… There is an overwhelming number of tourists stubbing their toes on pieces of artifacts?

It is, by the way, the same overwhelming number of tourists who do not realize that the Colosseum and the Forums are a living archaeological site. What does this mean? That yes, it is still covered with debris and it is still very much under excavation. The surfaces are uneven, even where walking paths have been provided.

However, many, many first-time visitors completely underestimate this aspect. Even worse, they feel like Indiana Joneses and don’t hesitate to literally go off the beaten path to create their own adventure. This happens especially in the fora, but not exclusively so. And don’t even get us started on those who go crazy because they NEED to take a selfie while perched on a column, conveniently forgetting that they’re climbing a piece of rock that was carved 2,000 years ago.

Which brings us to an additional rule: ” Visitors shall assume full responsibility regarding the choice to access areas with more difficult footing (inclined footpaths, stairways with particularly steep steps). ParCo administration, therefore, accepts no liability in the event of accidents or injuries”. There it is: the legal equivalent of “don’t say we didn’t warn you”. This also brings us to a “collateral rule”: “Children must be supervised and held by the hand at all times”. We can only imagine what the security at the Colosseum must have witnessed! The “No leaning over railings or banisters” must be surely closely linked to some horror scenario with potentially dramatic consequences that must have taken place among the ancient temples.

A dress code for the Colosseum? Well, yes!

While the security aspect is highlighted at lenght, we would like to draw your attention to a rule that may seem trivial or odd in this context: “Clothing appropriate to the formal setting of the site is required, prohibiting ceremonial dresses, masks, period costumes, and any other fancy dress undignified for such places”. While it covers a number of different situations, this newly introduced norm addresses a question often asked by an increasing number of foreign travelers: can you pose for pictures dressed as a Roman soldier?

While you’re certainly free to do as you please outside the Colosseum, there has been a recent scam involving people dressed as centurions who have aggressively demanded money or stolen from tourists after posing for pictures. The management of the archaeological site wants to make sure that these “cosplayers” don’t inadvertently confuse or upset other people.

The golden rule: don’t deface the Colosseum!

Finally, we want to briefly discuss the very first rules at the top of the page we have linked to. “It is strictly forbidden”, the website says, “to write on the walls or on the artefacts; damage or remove archaeological material; light fires”. You would think this would be common sense. Alas, it’s not: the authorities at the Colosseum had to state the obvious because the taggers and thieves caught in recent years have always protested that they didn’t know they were not allowed to deface, vandalize, or steal. Can you believe that?

Ready to book your visit to the Colosseum?

If you’ve read all of these rules and are not afraid to face the crowds, here is a recommended guided tour that covers all the main areas of the complex if you haven’t succeeded in booking tickets from the official website! Book now, before tickets disappear!