Elevator with glass cabin installed in the Colosseum in Rome

ROME, 31 May – RIA Novosti. The Colosseum of Rome will become more accessible to visitors with disabilities: one of the symbols of Italy is equipped with an elevator. It was introduced on Tuesday evening at a ceremony organized by Italian Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano and Colosseum Archaeological Park director Alfonsina Russo.

The elevator’s glass cabin will not only allow tourists to enjoy the view of the Flavian Amphitheater and the surrounding panorama, but will also save them from the need to walk the unusually steep 100 steps. A modern device will take visitors to the gallery between the second and third floors – a new space opened for use after restoration.

Film actor Russell Crowe also attended the ceremony. He was able to listen to the symphony orchestra, which performed several compositions from the movie “Gladiator”, in which Crowe played the most important role, with a large audience.

The construction of the Colosseum, which housed more than 50 thousand people, took place over eight years during the reign of the Roman emperors of the Flavian dynasty. The largest amphitheater in the entire ancient world began to be built in 72 during the reign of Emperor Vespasian and was consecrated by Emperor Titus in 80. In ancient Rome, the Flavian amphitheater was used to hold entertainment shows, including the famous gladiator fights.

Now the Colosseum is not only a magnificent architectural object and best-known Roman landmark, but also a major cultural site. It was visited by nearly seven million people last year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations.