Colosseum Closed After Worker Plunges to His Death

Rome’s Colosseum was closed to the public on Wednesday for the first time since the Covid pandemic after a specialist rope worker died following a fall inside the amphitheatre, Italy’s Culture Ministry said.

Andrea Moretti, 22, was suspended above the highest point of the ancient arena when he fell about 10 metres during an overnight shift on Tuesday, the ministry said. The accident happened while he was installing a new lighting system.

Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli said the death had left officials “shocked”, and he extended condolences to Moretti’s family, describing the incident as a senseless loss of a young man carrying out his work.

Worker Fall Triggers Closure

Thousands of visitors typically enter the Colosseum each day to see the ruins of the stadium built between 70 and 72 AD for gladiator events. On Tuesday night, the ministry said, the worker was in position as part of the installation work when the fall occurred.

After the incident, the site was shut on Wednesday, marking a rare interruption to public access. The Culture Ministry said the closure was the first since the pandemic that lasted beyond the usual routine.

Shutdown Extended To Full Venue

A small area was initially expected to be closed, covering only the section where the fall occurred, the ministry said. However, the decision was expanded during the night.

The ministry said the change was made after the first group of visitors had already entered and toured the site without knowing about the incident. It said closing entrances immediately would have risked drawing large crowds outside the monument, potentially undermining safety and public order.

In the end, the closure applied to the entire Colosseum rather than just the upper tier.

Colosseum Usually Open Despite Past Brief Stops

The Colosseum has previously shut for short periods for special visits by senior figures. It also closed for several hours in October for a prayer for peace.

According to the Colosseum Archeological Park, the only two days each year when the amphitheatre does not open are 25 December and 1 January. It also closed for several weeks during Covid lockdown measures in 2020.

Broader Workplace Accident Record

Workplace deaths are common in Italy. The INAIL trade union estimates that, on average, three workers die each day in workplace accidents across the country.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the death of a 22-year-old was unacceptable, including because it happened at work. She said efforts would continue in Moretti’s name to help prevent similar tragedies.

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24 September 2026