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- Colosseum
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Colosseum underground tours
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Uncover the hidden side of history with exclusive access to Colosseum’s secret underground.
- Start by exploring the Colosseum, then plunge under to the gladiators' 'backstage,' with exclusive Arena access and its trapdoors.
- Join an expert guide and dive into long-lost tales of brave gladiators battling tigers and elephants with bare hands.
- Explore every corner of the Colosseum, including Levels 1 & 2, the museum, main arena, viewing decks, hidden trapdoors where gladiators once awaited their fate, and the underground.
- Extend your tour to include the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, see the Temple of Antoninus Pius, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus, and more.
Uncover the hidden side of history with exclusive access to Colosseum’s secret underground.
- Start by exploring the Colosseum, then plunge under to the gladiators' 'backstage,' with exclusive Arena access and its trapdoors.
- Join an expert guide and dive into long-lost tales of brave gladiators battling tigers and elephants with bare hands.
- Explore every corner of the Colosseum, including Levels 1 & 2, the museum, main arena, viewing decks, hidden trapdoors where gladiators once awaited their fate, and the underground.
- Extend your tour to include the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, see the Temple of Antoninus Pius, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus, and more.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Colosseum & Underground
- English, Portuguese, French, Italian, or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- Exclusive Arena Floor access
- Exclusive Underground access
- Access to the Colosseum tier 1 & 2 and Museum
- Guided tour of Palatine Hill & Roman Forum with priority access (optional)
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Access to upper floors
- Hotel transfers
- Tip: Take advantage of the local expert's knowledge, and ask about the secret tunnels in the Colosseum Underground that used to connect to the outside world.
- All guests must go through an airport-style security check at entry for maximum safety. Expect to stand in line, this mandatory step cannot be skipped.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, baby carriages, and people with mobility issues.
- Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID with you to gain entry.
- Access to the underground is restricted to the general public. Be sure to book ahead to guarantee your spot!
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Your chance to explore Rome’s ancient wonders at your own pace.
- Journey back to ancient Rome with full access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- Enter the Colosseum at your chosen time slot and enjoy a stress-free experience at Rome's eternal Arena.
- Start at Level 1’s ancient seating rows with arena views, and Level 2’s museum of ancient artifacts. Enrich your visit with an audio guide, multimedia video or guidebook.
- Enjoy the flexibility to explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill within 24 hours of your first entry, discovering ancient temples, markets, and hilltop views.
- Upgrade and fight like a gladiator at Colosseum's exclusive Arena Floor access for a truly unforgettable experience.
Your chance to explore Rome’s ancient wonders at your own pace.
- Journey back to ancient Rome with full access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- Enter the Colosseum at your chosen time slot and enjoy a stress-free experience at Rome's eternal Arena.
- Start at Level 1’s ancient seating rows with arena views, and Level 2’s museum of ancient artifacts. Enrich your visit with an audio guide, multimedia video or guidebook.
- Enjoy the flexibility to explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill within 24 hours of your first entry, discovering ancient temples, markets, and hilltop views.
- Upgrade and fight like a gladiator at Colosseum's exclusive Arena Floor access for a truly unforgettable experience.
Inclusions
- Timed entry to the Colosseum
- Access tier 1 & 2 and Museum
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Special access to the Colosseum Arena (as per option selected)
- Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian & Chinese (as per option selected)
- Guidebook (as per option selected)
- Multimedia video (as per option selected)
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Live guide
- Access to the Colosseum underground or upper floors
- Tip: While exploring Palatine Hill look out for the Farnese Gardens, a peaceful escape from the crowds. Beautifully manicured terraces, statues, and panoramic views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum await.
- Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid Photo ID with you to gain entry.
- Please note that timed priority entry is only available at the Colosseum, but the tickets for the Forum and Palatine will remain valid for an additional 24 hours after the Colosseum entry time selected during booking.
- Note that there are 2 entrances: one for the Colosseum, and another for the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (combined). You may enter each entrance ONLY ONCE and not re-enter.
- The security check can take 30 mins or more. To make the process quicker, please insert any object (including mobile phone) in the bag/backpack or in the tray to be included in the X-ray.
- Going for the audio guide? Simply ensure that the guides are downloaded on the Headout app before your visit. It’s super simple to use, and you get offline access with an easy language-switching feature. Just make sure your phone is fully charged and don’t forget to bring your favorite headphones!
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Unlock exclusive access to the Colosseum Arena floor on this immersive 3-hour tour.
- Explore the Colosseum, Arena Floor, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill with this all-in-one guided experience.
- Skip the crowds with timed Colosseum entry at your chosen slot. Your guide will take you through every detail of this iconic landmark.
- Start on Level 1 to view the arena and its gapped rows, visit the museum on Level 2, and finally step onto the exclusive Arena Floor for a gladiator’s perspective.
- Stroll through ancient temples and markets at the Forum, then climb Palatine Hill for sweeping views and the remnants of Rome’s imperial palaces.
- Choose a small group of 15 for a more personal experience with detailed insights into Roman history, religion, and architecture.
Unlock exclusive access to the Colosseum Arena floor on this immersive 3-hour tour.
- Explore the Colosseum, Arena Floor, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill with this all-in-one guided experience.
- Skip the crowds with timed Colosseum entry at your chosen slot. Your guide will take you through every detail of this iconic landmark.
- Start on Level 1 to view the arena and its gapped rows, visit the museum on Level 2, and finally step onto the exclusive Arena Floor for a gladiator’s perspective.
- Stroll through ancient temples and markets at the Forum, then climb Palatine Hill for sweeping views and the remnants of Rome’s imperial palaces.
- Choose a small group of 15 for a more personal experience with detailed insights into Roman history, religion, and architecture.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum
- English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian or German speaking guide (as per option selected)
- Small group of 15 people (as per option selected)
- Special access to the Colosseum Arena floor
- Access to Colosseum tier 1, 2 & Museum
- Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Guided tour of Arena
- Access to Underground and upper floors
- Hotel transfers
- Tip: Don't miss out on your chance to see the Arena floor up close. Book in advance to get the best choice of starting times for your travel schedule!
- The experience is not accessible by wheelchair, pram/stroller baby carriage, or people with mobility issues.
- Rain or shine, this tour won't be canceled. If there is a heavy downpour, some areas of the tour will be closed for safety reasons.
- Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID with you to gain entry. Photo IDs are mandatory for minors and adults.
- The order of attractions visited might be subject to change. Your guide will help you navigate all 3 sites daily of the crowds.
- As there is no timed entrance to the Palatine and Forum, it is impossible to skip entry lines. Please expect a delay when entering these sites.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Top things to do in Rome
Colosseum Underground (Hypogeum) Quick Facts
- Location: Colosseum, Rome, Italy
- Date of Construction: The Hypogeum was constructed under Emperor Domitian's reign, around 81-96 AD, following the initial completion of the Colosseum in 80 AD.
- Purpose: Backstage for the Colosseum, where gladiators, slaves, and wild animals were housed before the fight.
- Reconstruction: Partially reconstructed during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Why Take A Colosseum Underground Tour?
- Incredible history: One of the prime reasons to delve into a Colosseum underground tour is its compelling history. Consider the Colosseum Underground as the crucial backstage, where intricate preparations for each monumental gladiator battle occurred.
- Different perspectives: Taking an underground tour offers a novel perspective on the Colosseum's history and architecture. The cramped space, coupled with the anticipation of the fight, makes visiting the underground a somber and evocative one.
- Experience the life of a gladiator: Apart from learning about the history and actual mechanics of how gladiator battles were organized back in the day, another reason to visit the Colosseum underground is to get a real sense of what it felt like to be a gladiator before a match to the death.
How to enhance your Colosseum underground tour experience?
Check your tickets
Tickets to view the underground are not guaranteed with a regular entry ticket to the Colosseum. Make sure you book tickets that grant special access to this segment of the Colosseum.
Explore the Arena floor
Start your Colosseum Underground tour in the Arena, also known as the stage. From here, you can appreciate the sheer scale of the amphitheater from a gladiator's perspective. You'll enter the Colosseum arena through the morbidly-named Gate of Death and absorb the dramatic atmosphere where gladiators once battled for survival.
Colosseum Arena Tours
The Hypogea
The next stop on the tour is the Hypogeum, commonly referred to as the Underground. This area served as the waiting area. Divided into two levels, the areas consisted of a network of tunnels and cages that led to the Arena. The Hypogea played the role of the backstage of the Colosseum, a bustling hub used for the preparation for performances and scene shifts, as well as the transport of props and the care of animals.
Tunnels And monumental entrances
The complex tunnel system included tunnels that the Emperor and Vestal Virgins could use for entry and exit, offering direct access to their imperial residence without having to mingle with other spectators. The tiles used in these particular passages boasted intricate decorations, distinguishing them from the rest. The subterranean structure also boasted two grand arches for gladiators to make their dramatic entrances into the arena.
Wooden elevators
Transporting animals, staging equipment, and even the gladiator to and from the Arena was accomplished using an array of wooden elevators, concealed beneath the amphitheater. These elevators, considered a significant architectural marvel, were equipped with a system of ramps and counterweights, showcasing the Romans' advanced engineering.
Frequently asked questions about Colosseum Underground tours
What is the Colosseum Underground?
The Colosseum Underground, or Hypogeum, is the complex network of tunnels and rooms beneath the arena floor where gladiators and animals were kept before fights. It provides a unique glimpse into the operations behind the grand spectacles of the Colosseum.
Where can I buy Colosseum Underground tickets?
Tickets for the Colosseum Underground can be purchased online or at the ticket office at the venue. However, due to high demand, online booking is highly recommended. This will also allow you the chance to select your preferred time slot much in advance.
Does a general Colosseum ticket include Underground access?
No, not all Colosseum tickets include access to the Underground. The Colosseum Underground requires a separate ticket, which includes a guided tour. This ticket typically also includes access to the rest of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Does Colosseum Underground tours also offer skip-the-line access?
Yes., your Colosseum Underground Tour includes skip-the-line access to the amphitheatre along with allowing you the chance to visit sections like the Underground and Arena.
Can you tour the Colosseum Underground on your own?
No, access to the Colosseum underground is only available through a guided tour. Only two levels of the Colosseum are open for the public to explore on their own.
Who designed the Colosseum Underground?
The Colosseum, including the Underground, was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty, but the hypogeum was added later by Emperor Domitian.
When was the Colosseum Underground built?
The Colosseum was built between 70-80 AD, but the Underground was added later, approximately ten years after the inauguration of the arena.
What's inside the Colosseum Underground?
The Colosseum Underground is a network of tunnels, rooms, and passageways, including holding cells for gladiators and animals, as well as machinery for lifting them to the arena floor.
What can I do at the Colosseum Underground?
Visitors to the Colosseum Underground can explore the labyrinthine tunnels, learn about the logistics of staging the grand gladiatorial games, and gain a deeper understanding of ancient Roman history and culture.
Is the Colosseum Underground wheelchair accessible?
Due to the ancient architecture and irregular terrain, the Colosseum Underground is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.
