Overview

We visited as part of a holiday in Italy, with tour leader and local guide. Our visit was marred because of the lack of awareness of the difficulties of manoeuvring mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs. Our second group who visited the next day learnt from our experience. This review includes the lessons learnt.

Transport & Parking

No parking locally. Buses run nearby evidently. We were dropped off quite close from an accessible minimus from the hotel.

Access

Do not attempt to enter the arena level unless you have a very robust scooter or strong carers. Some of the surface on approach to the arena (which itself is level!) Is VERY uneven being the original roman floor. Instead take the lift up to the next level, which has a level wheelchair friendly surface. The only seating available is the sit on marble blocks around the edges.

Toilets

There is one accessible loo, with limited mobility space, for all the thousands of people visiting! And you have to fight your way up a slope, through the queue of ladies waiting for their loos. (Some American ladies were unhappy thinking that the accompanying carer was trying to jump the queue)

Staff

Staff were basically the security staff on the entrances and exits. They were pretty efficient but not engaging in chat with visitors. Make sure you go with an official guide. They are very knowledgeable and can smooth access for scooters, wheelchairs, etc.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

No covid precautions, but not expected at this remove from the pandemic. Well worth the visit with a guide so long as you don't try getting into the arena ( see earlier).