A section of a 13th-century tower in the heart of Rome collapsed on Monday, trapping one construction worker and critically injuring another during ongoing restoration work, authorities said.
Collapse happens during conservation work
The incident took place shortly after 11:30 a.m. local time near the Torre dei Conti, a medieval landmark standing on the edge of the Roman Forum and within sight of the Colosseum. The tower, once part of a fortified residence built for the influential Conti family, has been closed to the public for years and was under conservation when part of its structure gave way.
Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini said rescue teams are working under dangerous conditions as one man remains trapped beneath the debris. He is conscious and speaking with firefighters. The second injured worker was taken to a hospital and is in critical condition.
The second collapse forces firefighters to retreat
As crews attempted to secure the structure and reach the trapped man, a second section of the 29-meter (90-foot) tower began to crumble. Bricks and stones rained down, sending a cloud of dust through the air and forcing firefighters to pull back.
Firefighters in Rome have been working to rescue a worker trapped beneath rubble after a medieval tower partially collapsed during renovation. The incident happened on Monday. The rescue was described as “very complex” due to the structure’s instability. Three workers were… pic.twitter.com/Fa0ximYYUS
— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) November 3, 2025
No rescuers were injured, and work resumed after safety checks. Giannini said firefighters had already placed protective shielding around the trapped worker after the first collapse, which helped protect him during the second failure. He warned that the rescue would be long and complex due to the tower’s unstable condition.
Streets sealed off as rescue continues
A police chief said there is no immediate danger of the entire structure collapsing, but the area remains cordoned off. Surrounding streets have been sealed, and access is limited to emergency crews and engineers.
A third worker, identified as 67-year-old Ottaviano, was inside during the collapse but escaped unharmed through a balcony. He said that the site “was not safe” and said he only wanted to go home.
Rescue efforts continue in Rome tonight to free a man trapped under rubble inside an upper floor of a mediaeval tower that partly collapsed twice today during renovations. #TorredeiConti pic.twitter.com/g29AToyS6U
— Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) November 3, 2025
Rome’s mayor and Italy’s culture minister visited the scene. A crane and drone are now in use to inspect the damaged upper sections and guide firefighters working near the debris.
The tower was built under Pope Innocent III
The Torre dei Conti was commissioned in 1238 by Pope Innocent III as a fortified residence for his brother, Riccardo Conti. It was once one of the tallest towers in medieval Rome and has survived earthquakes, urban changes, and centuries of structural damage. Recent conservation work aimed to stabilize what remains of the monument, located just beyond the main visitor area of the Roman Forum.
Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the collapse or how it will affect future restoration. The rescue operation is still underway, and no timetable has been announced.
