Rome, elevator inside the Colosseum opened.

An elevator to see the Colosseum from above. Beginning in June , an elevator system positioned inside the XXVII fornix of the Colosseum will be open to the public, allowing all visitors to the Colosseum Archaeological Park to reach the highest levels of the cavea, in particular the gallery located between the 2nd and 3rd orders, to fully enjoy the beauty of the world’s most famous monument. Since its establishment, in fact, the Colosseum Archaeological Park has included in its mission the theme of physical, cultural and cognitive accessibility, striving to accommodate all the public with adequate aids to the visit (signage, tactile maps, easy-to-read guides) and, of course, with routes able to overcome the differences in level.

And now, as part of this objective, ParCo, has further expanded the usability of the Colosseum, inaugurating an elevator that ensures that all visitors, with greater attention to those with mobility difficulties, can overcome the 100 steep steps that separate the 1st order from the middle gallery, enjoying a unique view of the entire monument.

The elevator was born from the synergy between the PArCo and the Orchestra Italiana del Cinema, the protagonist in 2018 of an event aimed at the eradication of polio in the world. On that occasion, Ridley Scott’s film Gladiator was screened in the arena of the Flavian Amphitheater, in the presence of Russell Crowe with Hans Zimmer ’s famous music performed live. Marco Patrignani, President of the Orchestra, also took the pledge on that occasion to sponsor the new elevator.

Built in full compliance with the PArCo indications and current regulations, the elevator is in line with the specificity of the site and fits harmoniously into the monument, minimizing the occupation of space and in absolute respect of the existing masonry, thanks to the use of pressure anchor points that ensure the total reversibility of the work. The realization of the elevator therefore allows everyone to reach the gallery between the 2nd and 3rd orders, returned to fruition after careful restoration work, with conservation and safety purposes. A space that can now be fully perceived in its long history also thanks to an evocative and targeted lighting system that enhances the structures, plastered surfaces and graffiti, and a didactic set-up aimed at an effective visiting experience.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in the presence of Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano and was preceded by a special performance by the Italian Cinema Orchestra, which performed to the unforgettable notes of Oscar winner Hans Zimmer.

“As of today, the Colosseum is even more of a World Heritage Site, accessible to all up to the third order from which it is possible to admire the magnificence of an extraordinary monument, a work of Romanity unparalleled in the world,” said Minister Sangiuliano. “Thanks to this achievement, citizens and tourists will have an additional opportunity to enjoy, without impediments, the easiest possible visit to the Flavian Amphitheater, in the name of a genuinely inclusive culture.”

“The Colosseum is a World Heritage Site and as such its social and humanitarian role is important,” says Colosseum Archaeological Park Director Alfonsina Russo. “I thank Marco Patrignani and the Orchestra Italiana del Cinema, because they have committed themselves to creating a facility that concretizes a fundamental principle, namely that culture is and should increasingly be a right from which no one should feel excluded. One of the priority goals that has always characterized the PArCo’s activities is that of both cultural and physical accessibility, with paths equipped for all types of audiences. From today, thanks to the new elevator, it will be possible for all visitors to enjoy a very impressive view of the skies of Rome.”

“I would never have thought, being a man involved in music and cinema, to personally follow the realization of a new elevator at the Colosseum, from the design phase to its inauguration,” admits Marco Patrignani. “Five long years to make sure that a mighty structure of iron and crystal could give joy to millions of visitors from all over the world. It is as if it was built with the power of emotions and dreams, which seem ethereal and are instead very powerful.”

The work was carried out by Metal Working for the metal structures, Ahrcos for the construction work, and Maspero Elevatori for the construction of the elevator car. Visits by panoramic elevator to the intermediate gallery and from there to the Colosseum’s penthouse are scheduled to start in June, every weekday between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Visit arrangements will soon be available at https://colosseo.it

Rome, elevator inside the Colosseum opened.

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