🖐 The Colosseum stands as a majestic symbol of ancient Rome's grandeur and is revered as one of the most iconic landmarks in Italy. This architectural marvel, known for its amphitheater design, has withstood the test of time. Erected in a bygone era, the Colosseum witnessed countless gladiatorial battles, captivating the hearts of spectators. Today, it stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Rome. It attracts thousands of tourists every year, many of whom wish to capture the view from above using a drone. However, flying a drone in this area requires a permit. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to obtain a permit to fly a drone above the Colosseum of Rome.
Give a 👍 at the end of this post & feel free to share your experience or any updates you might have in the Italy Drone Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our knowledge & does not replace official sources & your research.
The Colosseum is located in Rome, Italy, which follows the common rules of the Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC). If you're looking for the unmanned aerial vehicle rules of Italy then click here.
Drone operations in Italy must comply with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, which may include amendments or updates to the regulations. These regulations provide further guidelines and requirements for drone operations to ensure safety and compliance. But in a nutshell, you should:
fly your drone at maximum of 50 meters (170 feet) in the Open category and 120 meters (400 feet) in the Specific category.
Direct visual contact with the drone is necessary, and the operating distance should not exceed 500 meters.
Avoid flying near residential or populated areas and maintain a one-kilometer safety buffer around residential areas.
Keep a minimum safety distance of 500 meters from isolated buildings, people, vehicles, animals, and structure s unless authorized.
Do not fly near airports or heliports; stay at least eight (8) kilometers away from airports and three (3) kilometers away from heliports.
Nighttime flying is not allowed.
Do not fly over or near military installations, public utility installations, archaeological sites, or public/private facilities.
Can I fly a drone near the Colosseum?
The Colosseum consists of multiple levels, including the ground floor with its arched entrances, several tiers of seating, and an upper level where spectators would have been seated. Its vast size allowed it to accommodate an estimated audience of 50,000 to 80,000 people during its prime. Today it attracts thousands of visitors each day, so you're going to need a permit. Before you start the permit application process, it's essential to understand the regulations surrounding drones in Italy. The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) has strict regulations on drone flights in the city, and it is important to follow them to avoid any legal trouble.
Catching a plane to visit Italy? Be compliant & get your fireproof lipo battery bags
Drone Fly Map for the Colosseum, Italy
Depending on the purpose of your drone flight, you may need to obtain permits from the ENAC. For example, if you are flying a drone for commercial purposes, you will need to obtain a commercial drone license.
🚨 Understandably, recreational drones are not allowed to fly over landmark sites, including the Colosseum, without a permit. In fact, the use of drones is strictly prohibited within the Pisa Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo), which includes the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the cathedral, and other historic buildings. This is due to safety concerns and the need to protect the historic structures and their surroundings. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is indeed one of the busiest places in the world as it welcomes:
6 million visitors each year, that's almost 16,500 people everyday !
Is open from 9am to 8pm almost everyday of the year.
Its the 6th most visited building in Italy 😅
When combining all these factors, it is easy to understand why the Leaning Tower of Pisa is so regulated when it comes to fly nearby with a drone.
How do I apply for a permit to fly near the the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
It is not an easy process. You will need to obtain authorization from the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) and follow their guidelines and regulations. The application process can take several weeks or even months, and you may be required to provide specific details about your drone, flight plan, and insurance. You will also need to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and qualifications to operate a drone safely.
To apply for a permit to fly a drone above the Leaning Tower of Pisa or any other area in Italy, you will need to follow these steps:
Visit the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) website and review the rules and regulations for flying drones in Italy.
Register your drone in this portal (platform is still under construction)
Fill out this application form and submit it to ENAC. You will need to provide information about your drone, such as its make and model, weight, and flying capabilities.
Provide details of your flight plan, including the date, time, and location of your drone flight. You may also be required to provide information about the purpose of your flight, such as whether it is for commercial or recreational purposes.
Demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and qualifications to operate a drone safely. You may be required to take a training course or provide evidence of your existing qualifications.
Obtain liability insurance for your drone flight, as required by ENAC.
Wait for ENAC to review your application and grant authorization if it is approved.
To apply for a drone permit, you will need to provide certain documents, including:
an ID photo/document
photos of your drone and its specs
a drone training certificate/license
⏰ Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit the application to the ENAC. The application must be submitted as early as possbile before the planned flight date. The confirmation can take months.
In conclusion, flying a drone near The Leaning Tower of Pisa can be a thrilling experience, but it is important to follow the regulations and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight. By following these steps and precautions, you can enjoy a memorable drone flight near one of Italy's most iconic buildings.
Where else can I fly my drone in Italy?
✅ In Italy, flying a drone without a permit is generally prohibited, except for drones that weigh less than 250 grams (0.55 pounds) such as the DJI Mini and you keep flying it within sight, below a height of 70 meters (229 feet), and away from densely populated areas and restricted airspace.
Travelling to Italy? Need the best travel drone? Click here
✅ Please leave a comment or update Italy Drone Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone over Pisa! Have fun and safe flight!
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone rules and regulations.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links meaning we will get a commission if you decide to purchase via them. This has no costs for you but helps Dronemade stay free for all.
Other resource
Source
Italy Civil Aviation Authority
D-Flight Italy (register your drone portal)