A 56-year-old tour guide has died after collapsing while leading a group through Rome's Colosseum in extreme heat. Giovanna Maria Giammarino suffered a suspected heart attack at 6pm on Tuesday and could not be revived despite attempts by tourists and emergency services.
Her death has renewed calls from tour guide associations to review summer opening hours at major attractions. The World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations had recently warned that extreme heat is a new reality demanding attention and adaptation within the profession.
Italy's Certified Tour Guide Association (AGTA) urged authorities to extend the Colosseum's opening hours, suggesting a shift from 8.30am–7.15pm to 7am–8.15pm from June to at least the end of August. They said working at the Roman Forum from 10am to 4.30pm has become unbearable due to climate change.
AGTA also highlighted that low pensions and economic uncertainty force guides to work at an unsustainable pace. The organisation called for more protection, noting that many guides have left for safer jobs in recent years.
Culture minister Alessandro Giuli praised Giammarino's professional dedication, and the Colosseum's lights were turned off at 9pm on Wednesday as a mark of respect. Francesca Duimich, representing 300 Roman guides, said dehydrated tourists often faint in summer heat, with the forum offering no shade or wind.
