Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy - June 3, 2024

On the occasion of the 78th anniversary of Italy's Republic Day, a breathtaking display unfolded at the Colosseum as 70 firefighters adorned the iconic monument with the colors of the Italian flag. The colossal tricolor banner, measuring fifty meters by forty and weighing a staggering four hundred and fifty kilograms, was carefully lowered from the highest facade of the Colosseum by the skilled firefighters hailing from every region of Italy.

In a meticulously planned operation, officials and SAF (Speleo Alpine Fluvial) operators from the National Fire Corps executed a complex maneuver to dress the Colosseum, utilizing a system of ropes spanning over 2,000 meters. This system, anchored directly onto the amphitheater's blocks and outfitted with protective measures, ensured the monument's preservation without the use of nails or anchoring systems that could compromise its integrity as a symbol of Rome and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The intricate lowering of the tricolor, rehearsed on the night of May 28th, was carried out by 24 firefighters divided into groups of 8, corresponding to each color of the flag. Notably, this year marked the inclusion of three experienced female firefighters in rope maneuvers for the first time. Wind strength at various levels posed a significant challenge, requiring precise coordination to mitigate potential hazards. To address this concern, firefighters implemented a wind speed and direction control system to safeguard the operation's success and the safety of all involved.

Ground support played a vital role, with a general coordinator overseeing the descent while providing timing instructions to the three coordinators stationed on the facade—one for each color of the flag. Emergency systems were strategically positioned on each of the three work levels, ensuring swift evacuation in the event of any injuries, both from inside and outside the Colosseum.