The Colosseum is a monument almost 2,000 years old, so it has accessibility limitations, but also solutions: there is a lift that gives access to the tiers and tickets with special conditions for people with disabilities. Here we tell you what to expect from the ground, the level changes and the access points so you can plan your visit safely.
The Colosseum has a lift that lets people in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility go up to the first and second level of the tiers. From there you get very good views of the interior of the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Arena and the underground. It is the strong point of the monument's accessibility and lets you enjoy the visit without having to tackle the historic steps.
It is worth knowing in advance: much of the route runs over original ground, with cobblestones, loose stones and level changes. There are ramps at some points, but the surface is not smooth. Wheelchair users are recommended to go accompanied, and those who walk with difficulty should wear firm footwear and take the route slowly.
The same ticket includes the Roman Forum and the Palatine, but these are the most difficult areas in terms of accessibility: there are slopes, dirt paths and uneven surfaces, and the Palatine involves climbing a hill. If mobility is reduced, consider focusing the visit on the Colosseum, where the lift makes things much easier, and seeing the Forum from the accessible viewpoints.
People with a recognised disability usually have free access to the Colosseum and, in many cases, their companion too, by showing the supporting document at the entrance. Even so, it is advisable to book the ticket in advance to secure your place and priority access, avoiding queues. The exact conditions are set by the body that manages the site, so confirm them before travelling.
Access to the Arena floor and the underground (hypogeum) involves level changes, uneven ground and stretches with no lift, so it can be difficult with reduced mobility. If you are interested in this area, it is best to contact the operator of the Arena tour beforehand to confirm the specific accessibility conditions.
Avoiding the ticket-office queue is key if mobility is reduced. Tickets with audio guide let you walk the Colosseum, the Forum and the Palatine at your own pace, without waits.
See skip-the-line tickets from €26 →
⏳ The Colosseum sells out daily in high season. Book ahead · free cancellation.
The Colosseum has a lift that lets you reach the first and second level of the tiers, from where there are good views of the interior and the Arena. The ground is historic and uneven in several areas, with cobblestones and ramps, so it is recommended to go accompanied. The Roman Forum and the Palatine have more difficult stretches.
People with a recognised disability usually have free access and, in many cases, their companion too, by showing the supporting document. It is advisable to book the ticket in advance to secure your place and priority access. The exact conditions are set by the body that manages the site.
Access to the Arena floor and the underground involves level changes, uneven ground and stretches with no lift, so it can be difficult with reduced mobility. If you are interested, it is advisable to contact the operator of the Arena tour beforehand to confirm the conditions.
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