Technician dies in tragic accident at Rome's Colosseum

A 22-year-old technician has died in a “tragic” accident at the Colosseum in Rome, Italy's Culture Ministry said.

Part of the ancient Roman amphitheatre was closed on Wednesday as a mark of respect after the worker fell about 10 metres while installing a new lighting system on Tuesday night.

"A tragic event that has left us shocked and stunned,” Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli said in a statement.

Built 2,000 years ago, the Colosseum was the biggest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire and was used to host gladiator fights, executions and animal hunts. It remains one of the city's main tourist attractions.

The Colosseum Archaeological Park said it would close the section of the second tier where the accident occurred as a mark of mourning.

Italy's biggest union CGIL, took issue with the decision, saying the full site should be closed for the day.

"We expect Minister Giuli to shed light on the incident and to order the full closure of the Colosseum," said Natale di Cola, Rome's general secretary of the CGIL.

"Humanity comes before tourists," he added.