Guide collapses and dies in front of horrified tourists he was showing around Rome's iconic Colosseum
COLOSSEUM SHOCK Guide collapses and dies in front of horrified tourists he was showing around Rome's iconic Colosseum
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A TOUR guide has died while taking visitors around Rome's legendary Colosseum.
Giovanna Maria Giammarino, 56, collapsed while leading a tour group at 6pm on Tuesday.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
2
Giovanna Maria Giammarino died while climbing the stairs at the Colosseum
2
The Colosseum is one of the world's top attractions
Credit: Getty
She suffered a heart attack while climbing a set of stairs at the monument and fell unconscious.
Paramedics rushed to the scene - but tragically could not revive Giovanna.
Two tourists tried to save her life be carrying out CPR - and staff attempted to us a defibrillator.
The lights were turned off at a Colosseum - a relice of Ancient Rome - on Wednesday night in a "sign of mourning".
READ MORE ON WORLD NEWS
BELLA'S TERROR Brit thugs forced 'drug mule' Bella Culley to watch beheading, lawyer says
Isabella Ruggiero, president of the Association of Licensed Tourist Guides (AGTA), said: "Two tourists were the first to help her.
"They attempted to revive her by performing CPR. Meanwhile, staff from the Colosseum Archaeological Park arrived with a defibrillator.
"But unfortunately there was nothing they could do; Giovanna never regained consciousness. When the ambulance arrived, she was sadly already deceased."
Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri offered his condolences, as did tourism minister Daniela Santanché.
Santanché said: "My thoughts go out to all those who, like Giovanna, dedicate their lives to enhancing our cultural heritage.
"It is our duty to pay tribute to their commitment by ensuring a work environment that respects their dedication and sacrifice."
Secret tunnel city stretching 985ft below Rome is uncovered after vast labyrinth was sealed more than a century ago
After her death, unions raised questions over working conditions at the monument - which is visited by 7million people every year.
Ms Ruggiero said her death highlighted the "physical exertion to which the body is subjected during the work of a guide".
In a joint statement, the Rome branches of three trade unions said: "A name that adds to the all-too-long list of people who have lost their lives at work and which makes us responsible for keeping the spotlight on working conditions in the cultural world, which must necessarily change and improve."
"In this tragedy, we regret to note that, once again, when a person dies at work, work activities are not suspended.
"We therefore condemn the decision to reopen the monument despite the tragic event.
"It's true that guided tours are booked by the public well in advance, but feelings of condolence should have prevailed over any event or initiative."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Historic sea fort built to defend from French listed to sell for £1.5m & boasts nightclub, spa, and luxury rooms
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SEA fort build to defend Britain from French warships is on the market for £1.5 million. The more than 160-year-old Victorian island fort offers a luxury lifestyle, including a nightclub and a spa for the eventual buyer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 No Mans Fort is 35 minutes transfer time from Gunwharf Quays by boat Credit: Rightmove 6 The more than 160-year-old Victorian island fort offers a luxury lifestyle Credit: Rightmove 6 It features five bars and a restaurant Credit: Rightmove No Man's Land Fort can be found sat between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, offering a reclusive getaway on the Solent. It's such a classically British setting that an episode of Doctor Who was once filmed at the site. The 99,000 square foot setting is open for new owners, boasting 23 bedrooms and a helipad. It features five bars and a restaurant, as well as a "huge scope for conversion", according to the estate agent Colliers. Their website reads: "The Solent Forts date back over 160 years when fear of invasion by the French led by Napoleon III resulted in the commissioning of these sea-based defences by British Prime Minister Lord Palmerston. "With 15ft granite walls and armour plating, these magnificent structures are testament to the skill of Victorian engineering." But if the property's maritime history isn't enough for a prospective buyer, its sci-fi credentials might sway them. The fort was used as a shooting location for the classic Doctor Who story The Sea Devils, which featured Jon Pertwee as the Third Doctor. It also boasts a nightclub, pub and spa area in the exclusive location. Once upon a time, the fort was a four-star hotel, and was taken at auction earlier this year for £1.25million as an "impulse buy". Britain's newest & biggest warship HMS Prince of Wales to defy furious China and sail through Taiwan Strait Ed Jefferson, from Colliers Hotels team, told the MailOnline it offers a "rare opportunity to make a mark in a truly unique location". He added: "The remote location provides either great privacy or exclusivity for potential guests and clients. "It could be a great location for multiple hospitality and leisure operators together, or one tenant could take the whole site, we're open to proposals." The listing further says that "planning has been obtained to construct a breakwater and harbour to improve boat water access". The property was lavishly refurbished in 2015, with nearly £8million spent on the property as well as nearby Spitbank Fort. It can be found just minutes away from the Gunwharf Quays shopping centre on the waterfront in Portsmouth. The 23-bedroom floating mansion was previously on sale for £4.25million back in 2021. It was built in the 1860s by ex-Prime Minister Lord Palmerston to act as a line of defence for the British isles. 6 The property was lavishly refurbished in 2015 Credit: Alamy 6 The fort was used as a shooting location for the classic Doctor Who story The Sea Devils Credit: Rightmove
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The tiny village once named ‘most picturesque' in Scotland that's even featured in famous TV show
Holidaymakers are spoilt for choice in this picturesque retreat STUNNING STAYCAY The tiny village once named 'most picturesque' in Scotland that's even featured in famous TV show Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A QUAINT Scottish village once crowned the 'most picturesque' in the country is the perfect staycation destination - and it's even featured in a hit TV show. With a stunning royal palace and scenic walking trails that date back to the Victorian and Edwardian eras, Falkland is a must-visit gem tucked away in the heart of Fife. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Bruce Fountain in the Falkland dates back to 1856 Credit: Alamy 2 The village is famed for it stunning palace Credit: Alamy Previously named one of Scotland's most picturesque villages by tour operators Absolute Escapes, Falkland sits nestled between the two Lomond Hills in the Howe of Fife. It is most renowned for Falkland Palace, which was commissioned by King James IV and later became a favourite retreat of his granddaughter, Mary Queen of Scots. The palace boasts stunning formal gardens and houses one of Britain's oldest tennis courts. The Falkland Estate spans across lush woodlands and features enchanting walking trails. Visitors can also enjoy a light lunch at the estate's cafe, tucked away in a serene woodland garden. At the heart of Falkland lies the historic Bruce Fountain, which dates back to 1856. It is surrounded by a delightful array of shops and businesses, offering everything from antiques to unique gifts. Outlander fans will know that's where the ghost of Sam Heughan's Jacobite character Jamie Fraser visits time-traveller lover Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe). For those looking to stay, Falkland offers no shortage of cosy options. From charming cottages to welcoming hotels, holidaymakers are spoilt for choice in this picturesque retreat. Stunning Scots island with gorgeous 'Caribbean' beaches and crystal-clear blue waters and it's only an hour from Glasgow Elsewhere, we told how three Scottish cities have been named among the ten best stacation spots across the UK. With abroad holidays becoming increasingly more expensive year after year, it's no wonder that families across Britain are choosing to go on staycations instead. New research, conducted by experts at Chicks Gold, scored UK locations out of 100 based on several factors.
The Guardian
2 hours ago
- The Guardian
Italian guide collapses and dies while leading Colosseum tour in searing heat
Tour guides in Rome have repeated their calls for a rethink of the summer opening hours of some of the city's biggest attractions after one of their colleagues died of a suspected heart attack while showing a group around the Colosseum in baking heat. Giovanna Maria Giammarino, who was 56, collapsed in the amphitheatre at 6pm on Tuesday. Despite the efforts of tourists and the emergency services, she could not be revived and died at the scene. Her death came weeks after the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations warned that 'extreme heat is no longer an exception; it is a new reality that demands attention, adaptation, and solidarity within our profession'. As tributes and condolences poured in, Italy's Certified Tour Guide Association (AGTA) said Giammarino's death was proof of the physical toll that guiding takes on the body, and urged the authorities to extend the Colosseum's opening hours so tours could take place in the cool of the early morning or later in the evening. The Colosseum is open from 8.30am until 7.15pm from the end of March to the end of September. 'First of all, the opening hours of the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum [which includes the Colosseum, the Forum and the Palatine Hill] need to change during summer,' AGTA said in a statement posted on social media. 'It's useless to talk about a 'heat emergency' every year as if this were something new: climate change is a fact and for some years, working at the Roman Forum from 10:00 to 4:30pm has been unbearable.' The association said that from the beginning of June to 'at least the end of August', the opening hours of the Colosseum area should run from 7am to 8.15pm. 'For three years, we've been asking for the opening of the whole park to be brought forward to 7am and for closing to be postponed by an hour,' said AGTA. 'These changes would benefit the public health of everyone: visitors, guides and other workers.' The association said that paltry pensions and economic uncertainty had forced many of its members to push themselves and work at an unsustainable pace in order to be able to support their families. '[On Tuesday] a guide left for ever, but in recent years too many have left this activity for other 'safer' and less demanding jobs,' the statement added. 'We need more protection.' The Colosseum's authorities offered their condolences to Giammarino's family and said how much they had appreciated her 'professional dedication'. Italy's culture minister, Alessandro Giuli, said her death 'powerfully underscores the human and professional value of those who, every day, contribute to the protection and preservation of our historical and artistic heritage'. In a gesture of respect and mourning, the Colosseum's lights were turned off at 9pm on Wednesday. Last month, Italy's national tour guide federation, Federagit, also requested that the opening of the Colosseum Archaeological Park be brought forward by an hour. Francesca Duimich, who represents 300 Roman tour guides, said dehydrated tourists often passed out in the summer heat of Rome. 'The forum is a pit; there is no shade, there is no wind,' Duimich told the Associated Press. 'Being there at 1pm or 2pm in the summer heat means you will feel unwell.'
