I just read that the security at the Colosseum/Palatine and Forum complex now restrict large purses and all backpacks. However, there is no place to check these items! From what I gather, the definition of "large" is at the discretion of the guards so there is no uniformity in what is allowed and what is not. Oh joy. We are leaving in less than a month, and I have a travel bag that I bought specifically to haul maps, guide book, camera, water bottles, kleenex and hand sanitizer, etc. Has anyone visited this site recently to give us an idea of what the reality is?
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
The added security restrictions are in response to the recent unruly and criminal tourists who lop off parts of the Colosseum for souvenirs, or carve their initials into the stones for selfi ops. So the security guidelines will probably be made more clear soon. My advice would be to take along nothing larger than a smallish cross-body bag, leave everything else in your hotel, and retrieve what you need for the rest of the day after you are finished at the Colosseum.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23684 posts
The last time we were there, a shoulder bag was fine and it was sent through an x-ray machine. However, as Zoe points out, there has been some severe stupidity displayed recently by tourists so it doesn't surprise me that more restrictions are in place. I would reduce the size and volume of what you are caring. I would concerned about your "etc." Dump the water bottle. You don't it as you are not on a desert hike.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
There are no written size standards for bags so your best bet is to leave all but the smallest of bags in your hotel room. I've never found a need for Kleenex, hand sanitizer, water bottle or etc. The camera you can hang around your neck or strap to your wrist. For maps and guide books you can download that information to your phone and have it handy at all times without the weight. There really is no need for a large bag while touring Rome. At this point, it becomes a hassle with all the new security procedures and the restrictions.
donna
Posted by
693 posts
Three weeks ago they were letting people in with large handbags and small day packs. But, we didn't risk it and we took no bags. And you dont want to be there on the day they crack down either!
My main recommendation is to get there early. Everyone entering had to pass by two police officers, whether you had a bag or not, and they were scanning bags and coats with a hand wand (not airport style scanners). We quickly got through at 8.45am with our guide and picked up our prebooked entry tickets. However, a colleague of hers who arrived at 11am with a client took nearly 45 minutes to get through security. By lunch time the queue looked chaotic.
Hopefully they will get more efficient at doing the security checks.
Posted by
Grass Valley, California
506 posts
I take a soft small cross body bag once we are out sight seeing. Look at the travel products at Walmart or Target they just about have everything in small size. The largest thing in my bag would be glasses. We even tear out parts of the Rick Steve's guide book because the book for Italy is so large. Most of the time the city map you get at the TI is great for getting around Rome.