Rome Implements New 'Red Zone' Security Measures Around Colosseum to Combat Rising Crime

Rome has designated an "enhanced-control zone" around its renowned Colosseum in response to a surge in predatory crime, drug dealing, and a significant violent confrontation involving approximately 50 individuals. These incidents have transformed one of the world's most famous tourist destinations into a focal point for security concerns.

The newly established "red zone" encompasses the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums, and Colle Oppio. This measure empowers authorities to remove specific individuals whose violent, threatening, or persistently disruptive conduct poses a risk to public safety. Details of this initiative are outlined in a six-page order issued by Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini.

The order became effective on August 24 and is slated to remain in force for a period of four months, concluding on Christmas Eve.

Focusing on the "Red Zone" and its Scope

According to the official document, authorities noted a "resurgence of disorder" within the area, which was "predominantly attributable to groups of young people of non-EU origin." The order specifically cited various issues, including predatory crimes, physical altercations, and the deployment of fireworks near the ancient amphitheater. Officials suggested that these pyrotechnics might have been used to distract potential victims of crime.

The situation reportedly reached a critical point on July 1, when officers from the Rome Capital police force responded to reports of fireworks being set off near the Colosseum. During this incident, a group of approximately 50 non-EU nationals allegedly resisted the responding officers and caused damage to police property. The group reportedly surrounded local police, resulting in minor injuries to two officers during what was described by a news agency as an unauthorized gathering in Piazza del Colosseo.

Authorities have also identified Largo Gaetana Agnesi, a terrace offering views of the Colosseum and situated above the Colosseo subway station, as a frequent meeting point for groups at the center of these security concerns. Similarly, the nearby Colle Oppio park was highlighted as a problematic area due to the presence of individuals believed by officials to be engaged in activities detrimental to public safety and order.

The boundaries of this newly designated zone extend across some of central Rome's most recognizable locations, including Piazza Venezia, Via dei Fori Imperiali, Piazza del Colosseo, the Arch of Constantine, and Piazza del Campidoglio.

Prefect Giannini's order was issued following a proposal from Rome's police chief and subsequent deliberations by the Provincial Committee for Public Order and Security.

The document also indicates that the inauguration of the Metro C station serving the Colosseum has contributed to the security challenges. This new station creates a direct link between the historic city center and neighborhoods in eastern Rome. Officials expressed concern that this station, along with another subway stop within the designated area, draws a significant number of commuters and tourists who could potentially be exposed to criminal activity.

Criteria for Removal and Broader Initiatives

Under the provisions of the order, authorities are authorized to remove individuals who engage in violent, threatening, or persistently disruptive behavior, particularly if they have been reported within the preceding five years for specific offenses. These offenses include intentional crimes against persons or property, certain drug-related offenses, weapons violations, and crimes that carry a particular hate-crime aggravating circumstance.

This initiative forms part of a wider strategy aimed at safeguarding both residents and the substantial number of tourists visiting the Italian capital. Officials have characterized Rome's security landscape as unusually complex, attributing this to major international and historic events, an elevated geopolitical threat environment, and the continuous influx of visitors.

While authorities acknowledged that routine patrols, surveillance systems, fixed security posts, and joint "High Impact" operations had yielded some positive results, they noted that these measures had not been sufficient to halt repeated criminal conduct or fully restore public spaces for residents and visitors.

Additional Security Zones Across Rome

In a related development, officials have also prolonged a separate security zone in Esquilino, covering streets surrounding Rome's primary Termini train station and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. They stated that demonstrations around Termini continue to demand close attention. Furthermore, the increasing number of visitors and pilgrims to Santa Maria Maggiore, where Pope Francis is interred, was cited as a concern, with warnings that large crowds could become targets for predatory crimes.

Conversely, an earlier enhanced-control designation for the Valle Aurelia area, which included the Battistini and Cornelia subway stations, was discontinued. This decision was made after authorities determined that maintaining the special measures in that location was no longer necessary.

Individuals who fail to comply with the provisions of the order could face criminal charges under Italian law.