Colosseum Underground — History, Tours & Visitor Info

Descend into Rome’s hidden heart with exclusive access to the Colosseum’s underground tunnels, lifts and gladiator staging areas. Pair your visit with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for a full ancient-city adventure.

Guided Underground Tour from €52

Why Explore the Colosseum Underground?

The Colosseum Underground reveals the engineering genius and raw drama behind Rome’s greatest arena. Walk the corridors where gladiators prepared, see animal cages and elevators, and step onto the arena floor for the same view ancient crowds once had.

Secret Tunnels & Machinery

Discover trapdoors, winches and lifts that made epic spectacles possible.

Arena Floor Access

Stand where fighters faced the roar of 50,000 Romans and emperors decided fates.

Quick Timeline

  • AD 72–80 — Construction under Emperors Vespasian & Titus.
  • AD 217 — Fire damages upper levels; repairs follow.
  • 523 — Last recorded gladiator games.
  • 1349 — Earthquake causes major collapse; stone reused across Rome.
  • 2010 — Underground opens to limited guided groups.
  • 2021 — New walkways & lighting expand visitor access.

Top Tours & Ticket Options

Underground & Arena Access

Skip-line entry, guided tunnels tour, arena floor walk.

Book from €52

Ancient Rome Combo

Underground + Forum & Palatine Hill for a 3-hour deep dive.

Book from €82

Night Tour Experience

Explore the dungeons after dark under atmospheric lighting.

Book from €104

VIP Small-Group

Max 6 guests, headset commentary, extended photo stops.

Book from €157

Storyline & What You’ll See

Engineering & Spectacle

Beneath the arena, pulleys raised beasts and scenery in moments, creating jaw-dropping set pieces. Guides reveal original stonework, timber elevator shafts and staging rooms that fueled Rome’s appetite for drama.

  1. Labyrinth of corridors and animal pens.
  2. Recreated wooden lifts and trapdoor mechanisms.
  3. Panoramic arena view from the reconstructed stage.

Look For

Marble seating fragments, ancient graffiti, and the emperor’s podium sightline as you emerge onto the arena floor.

Outside, follow your guide to the Arch of Constantine, Forum ruins and Palatine terraces—bound together in a single ticket.

Insider Tips

Book Early

Only a limited number of underground slots release daily—reserve weeks ahead in peak season.

ID & Security

Bring official photo ID matching the booking name; airport-style checks occur at entry.

Best Light

Morning or late-afternoon tours give softer arena lighting for photos.

Visitor Cheatsheet

Opening Hours

Daily from 9 am; last entry 1 hr before sunset (seasonal).

Ticket Options

Underground €52+ | Combo Ancient Rome €82+ | Night €104+ | VIP €157+

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes, refillable water bottle, passport or EU ID.

How to Get There

Metro B to Colosseo station, then 2-minute walk to security lines.

Ready to Unlock the Colosseum’s Hidden Levels?

Snag your timed tickets now and walk the paths of emperors and gladiators on Rome’s most exclusive tour.

Book Colosseum Underground from €52