Rome Protesters Plan to Stay Near Colosseum
Visitors in Rome faced disrupted journeys on Friday, 30 October, when a USB-led protest brought marchers through the city centre towards the Colosseum. The transport strike expected to affect trains and buses had been postponed, but demonstrations still prompted road diversions and a temporary metro station closure. Organisers now say they plan to camp on Via dei Fori Imperiali until Sunday, potentially affecting weekend sightseeing.
The USB union organised the mobilisation over rising living costs, pay and military spending. A ministerial order on 27 October postponed the transport stoppages, and ATAC confirmed its regular timetable. Trenitalia separately reported normal railway traffic. Protesters nevertheless marched from Piazza dei Cinquecento near Termini towards the Colosseum, where organisers announced plans to stay until 1 November. Their announcement does not establish that roads will remain closed.
Roma Mobilità reported bus diversions around the march and a police-ordered closure of Colosseo station on Metro C. Its notice covered Friday afternoon and evening; it does not confirm a closure on Saturday. The Colosseum Archaeological Park also announced temporary access changes for 30–31 October, without attributing them to the demonstrations. Visitors should not confuse closed ticket offices with a complete shutdown of the attraction.
Colosseum Visits on 31 October
- Tickets: No sales at Piazza del Colosseo, Largo Salara Vecchia or Foro Romano 1; see the official notice.
- Roman Forum: Gate to the Imperial Fora closed; use external streets.
- Curia Iulia: Closed on Saturday; access gate also closed.
- Mamertine Prison: Entrance closed both days.
- Domus Aurea: Ticket office moved to Viale della Domus Aurea.
- Metro: Check Colosseo station's live status.
On Saturday, buy any required Colosseum ticket online, choose an entry time and bring photo identification; the park says tickets are issued in visitors' names. Last admission is at 15:30, with the site closing at 16:30. Sunday, 1 November, is the month's free-entry day, although tickets are issued on a first-come basis. Check the Colosseum's official opening times and ticket rules before visiting, especially if you plan to use the free admission on 1 November.