A 47-year-old American tourist accidentally impaled himself on a metal fence at the iconic Colosseum in Rome and was left dangling in agony for several minutes.

According to multiple Italian media outlets, the man climbed onto the railing but then slipped and fell onto its iron spikes below.

He screamed in pain before passing out.

Witnesses called paramedics who took the man, who lives in Taiwan and was visiting the Italian capital with relatives, to a nearby hospital.

He needed 80 stitches and remains in a stable condition.

The man’s motive in mounting the railings is unclear.

Il Messaggero newspaper suggested it was to either take a selfie or so that he could get a better view.

Police in Rome have opened an investigation into the incident and the man has been questioned by officers.