A TOUR guide has died while taking visitors around Rome’s legendary Colosseum.

Giovanna Maria Giammarino, 56, collapsed while leading a tour group at 6pm on Tuesday.

She suffered a heart attack while climbing a set of stairs at the monument and fell unconscious.

Paramedics rushed to the scene – but tragically could not revive Giovanna.

Two tourists tried to save her life be carrying out CPR – and staff attempted to us a defibrillator.

The lights were turned off at a Colosseum – a relice of Ancient Rome – on Wednesday night in a “sign of mourning”.

Isabella Ruggiero, president of the Association of Licensed Tourist Guides (AGTA), said: “Two tourists were the first to help her.

“They attempted to revive her by performing CPR. Meanwhile, staff from the Colosseum Archaeological Park arrived with a defibrillator.

“But unfortunately there was nothing they could do; Giovanna never regained consciousness. When the ambulance arrived, she was sadly already deceased.”

Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri offered his condolences, as did tourism minister Daniela Santanché.

Santanché said: “My thoughts go out to all those who, like Giovanna, dedicate their lives to enhancing our cultural heritage.

“It is our duty to pay tribute to their commitment by ensuring a work environment that respects their dedication and sacrifice.”

After her death, unions raised questions over working conditions at the monument – which is visited by 7million people every year.

Ms Ruggiero said her death highlighted the “physical exertion to which the body is subjected during the work of a guide”.

In a joint statement, the Rome branches of three trade unions said: “A name that adds to the all-too-long list of people who have lost their lives at work and which makes us responsible for keeping the spotlight on working conditions in the cultural world, which must necessarily change and improve.”

“In this tragedy, we regret to note that, once again, when a person dies at work, work activities are not suspended.

“We therefore condemn the decision to reopen the monument despite the tragic event.

“It’s true that guided tours are booked by the public well in advance, but feelings of condolence should have prevailed over any event or initiative.”