Rome —
Rome’s ancient Colosseum, where gladiators were once gored by wild animals to the delight of cheering crowds, has never exactly been associated with safety. Even in fiction, Henry James’ heroine “Daisy Miller” succumbed to malaria caught during a moonlight visit to the amphitheater.
Today, the danger has a more modern twist. In July, a group of about 50 young people left police officers injured in an attack that involved shooting fireworks. Authorities say the incident was part of a pattern of increased crime around the historic area.
In an effort to turn the tide on security issues at the Colosseum, Rome’s officials have now declared the area around the site a “red zone,” meaning that extra security has been deployed with greater powers to protect both residents and tourists, blaming the recent trouble on “predatory crimes and drug dealing” linked to urban decay. Imposed in late August, the zone will remain in place until December 24.
Extra security has also been added near the city’s main Termini train station, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, which has seen an increase in visitors since Pope Francis was laid to rest in a tomb there in April 2025.
