Is the Colosseum gladiator photo scam still happening in 2026?

Yes — despite Comune di Roma Ordinanza 145/2009 banning unlicensed costumed activity around the Colosseum, 4-8 costumed 'centurions' typically work the perimeter on a busy summer day. Carabinieri sweeps from the new Sotto-Comando del Colosseo (opened 2024) push them out periodically, but they cycle back within hours.

How much do gladiator photo scammers in Rome charge?

€20 minimum for a single tourist, €50-€100 for groups of 4 or more, sometimes €20 'per person'. There's no legal contract — the activity itself is illegal under Comune Ordinanza 145/2009 (fines up to €450 for the performer). Tourists who refuse calmly and walk toward Carabinieri visibility are typically dropped within 60 seconds.

How do I avoid the Colosseum gladiator scam?

Spot the red cape + plumed helmet + plastic gladius from 50m away and walk past without stopping. Never hand over your phone or camera for them to 'take a picture'. Never let an arm go around your shoulder. Enter the Colosseum directly through the Metro B exit and the official ticket lane — costumed performers cannot enter the controlled archaeological perimeter.

Will the Carabinieri help if a costumed scammer harasses me?

Yes. The Sotto-Comando del Colosseo opened in 2024 with 24/7 staffing — the booth is visible at the Arco di Costantino. The Polizia Locale tourist office (Via della Greca 5, English-speaking) handles incident reports. Emergency 112 connects to multilingual operators. Sweeps under Ordinanza 145/2009 carry €450 performer fines.

What's the best Colosseum photo spot without scammers?

Parco del Colle Oppio (the Oppian Hill park) immediately north of the Colosseum — full panorama, no costumed performers, free. The Via Sacra entrance from the Roman Forum side also avoids the worst of the Arco di Costantino group. Early morning (07:00-08:30) the perimeter is largely empty of both tourists and scammers.

Common Tourist Scams in Rome (and How to Avoid Them)

By The Kakapo Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-05-26 · Part of the Rome safety guide

The pattern — how the gladiator photo scam works

Where: primarily the pedestrian perimeter of the Colosseum (Arco di Costantino, the south side facing the Forum, the Metro B exit). Secondary: Piazza Navona (especially near Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers), the Pantheon piazza, and Fontana di Trevi.
Who: groups of 2-4 men in mixed-quality Roman costume. Some are former licensed performers (the licensing scheme was revoked in 2017); most have no permits at all.
The opening: gesture toward your camera, smile, beckon you into a "pose". Sometimes a costume is offered — a centurion helmet placed on your head, a gladius pushed into your hand. The accomplice takes the photo with your phone (handed over with disarming friendliness).
The demand: €20 minimum after the photo is taken. "€20 per person" for couples or families. €50-€100 for groups of 4+. Card readers are uncommon but cash demand is escalating in 2025-2026 — some now ask for the photo to be "deleted" if you refuse to pay, holding your phone hostage briefly.
The escalation: persistent verbal pressure for 30-90 seconds; sometimes following the tourist for 50-100m. Physical confrontation is extremely rare but raised voices and gesturing are routine.
The walkaway threshold: tourists who refuse calmly and walk toward Carabinieri visibility (the new Sotto-Comando booth at the Colosseum, the Arco di Costantino patrol) are dropped within 60 seconds.

FAQ

Is the Colosseum gladiator photo scam still happening in 2026?: Yes — despite Comune di Roma Ordinanza 145/2009 banning unlicensed costumed activity around the Colosseum, 4-8 costumed 'centurions' typically work the perimeter on a busy summer day. Carabinieri sweeps from the new Sotto-Comando del Colosseo (opened 2024) push them out periodically, but they cycle back within hours.
How much do gladiator photo scammers in Rome charge?: €20 minimum for a single tourist, €50-€100 for groups of 4 or more, sometimes €20 'per person'. There's no legal contract — the activity itself is illegal under Comune Ordinanza 145/2009 (fines up to €450 for the performer). Tourists who refuse calmly and walk toward Carabinieri visibility are typically dropped within 60 seconds.
How do I avoid the Colosseum gladiator scam?: Spot the red cape + plumed helmet + plastic gladius from 50m away and walk past without stopping. Never hand over your phone or camera for them to 'take a picture'. Never let an arm go around your shoulder. Enter the Colosseum directly through the Metro B exit and the official ticket lane — costumed performers cannot enter the controlled archaeological perimeter.
Will the Carabinieri help if a costumed scammer harasses me?: Yes. The Sotto-Comando del Colosseo opened in 2024 with 24/7 staffing — the booth is visible at the Arco di Costantino. The Polizia Locale tourist office (Via della Greca 5, English-speaking) handles incident reports. Emergency 112 connects to multilingual operators. Sweeps under Ordinanza 145/2009 carry €450 performer fines.
What's the best Colosseum photo spot without scammers?: Parco del Colle Oppio (the Oppian Hill park) immediately north of the Colosseum — full panorama, no costumed performers, free. The Via Sacra entrance from the Roman Forum side also avoids the worst of the Arco di Costantino group. Early morning (07:00-08:30) the perimeter is largely empty of both tourists and scammers.

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Sources

Scores are the Kakapo Safety Index — compiled from government travel advisories and public crime, health and transit data. All data sources.