Visiting the Colosseum underground is a unique experience that reveals one of the most fascinating and mysterious parts of the world’s most famous amphitheater. It’s not just a “behind-the-scenes” tour—it’s a journey into history, through hidden corridors, elevators, animal cages, and passages where gladiators, slaves, and wild beasts once awaited their fate. But what can you actually see today? Do you need a special ticket? Is it open year-round? In this article, we explore the Colosseum’s underground, answering the most common questions and offering practical tips for your visit.
What Are the Colosseum Underground Areas?
The underground area of the Colosseum, also known as the "hypogeum," is located beneath the arena. This space was hidden from spectators and served as the operational heart of the shows. Built during the Flavian era and expanded in the following decades, the underground hosted:
- the machinery used to raise scenery and animals into the arena;
- manual counterweight elevators;
- corridors for slaves and staff to move behind the scenes;
- cells that held gladiators and wild beasts before the fights.
For centuries, this area remained buried or inaccessible, until modern excavations began. Today, thanks to extensive restoration and enhancement, the Colosseum’s underground is open to visitors with the proper ticket.
What Can You Visit in the Colosseum Underground Today?
Following restoration work completed in 2021, the underground was reopened to the public permanently. Visitors can now explore much of the hypogeum via a safe, structured route with multiple stops.
Suspended Walkways Over the Hypogeum
One of the most impressive features is the suspended walkway, allowing visitors to walk above the underground corridors and take in a complete view of the area. From here, you can see the remains of elevators, shafts, and technical rooms where shows were staged.
Remains of Stage Mechanisms
During the tour, you’ll see remains—some reconstructed—of the complex mechanisms used to create extraordinary stage effects: for example, animals appearing suddenly from the arena floor via movable platforms, or entire sets emerging from underground.
Traces of Daily Life
The corridor walls still bear traces of those who lived and worked there: carvings, beam holes, torch niches. You can imagine the chaos before a fight—the noise, the fear. It’s not just archaeology—it’s pure emotion.
How to Visit the Colosseum Underground
The standard Colosseum ticket does not include access to the underground. You’ll need a special ticket called “Colosseum with Arena and Underground”, which includes:
- entrance to the Colosseum (arena floor and underground included);
- access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Guided Tour of Classical Rome
If you want to see the Colosseum and fully experience the grandeur of Ancient Rome, the Guided Tour of Classical Rome by Green Line Tours is the ideal starting point. After admiring the world’s most iconic amphitheater, the tour continues through the historic center, stopping at the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Castel Sant’Angelo, and St. Peter’s Square. In just three hours, you’ll discover the essence of the Eternal City, with the guidance of an expert and the comfort of a panoramic bus.
Book your Guided Tour of Classical Rome now with Green Line Tours and let yourself be captivated by the timeless beauty of Rome.
Guided Tour of the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine
Another great way to explore the Colosseum and dive into Imperial Rome is the Guided Tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. It begins with skip-the-line access to the most iconic amphitheater in the world, continues through the ruins of the Forum (the political and religious hub of ancient Rome), and ends on the Palatine Hill, where the city was born. Led by an expert guide, you’ll uncover fascinating stories and hidden details. Book your ticket with Green Line Tours and enjoy a seamless and enriching experience.
Is a Guided Tour Required?
Yes, to visit the Colosseum underground, a guided tour is mandatory, and it must be:
- with an official guide from the Colosseum Archaeological Park, or
- with a licensed tour guide, if booked through a tour operator.
Tours are limited in number and scheduled at set times. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Is the Colosseum Underground Accessible to Everyone?
Recent restoration has made the underground more accessible, but since it’s an ancient site, a few considerations apply:
- Accessibility for people with disabilities: the walkways are designed to be accessible, but it’s best to notify this when booking.
- Children: the visit is suitable for children, as long as they are accompanied. It can be an exciting adventure for young history lovers.
- Climate: the underground is more humid and cooler than the surface. Bring a light jacket, even in summer.
How Long Does the Underground Tour Last?
The Colosseum underground tour lasts on average about 75 minutes, depending on the type of tour. Some include access to the arena, while others focus solely on the hypogeum. To visit the entire Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill, you should allow at least half a day.
Fun Facts About the Colosseum Underground
During the restorations, surprising details emerged, revealing the complexity of Rome’s ancient entertainment machine. For example:
- There were over 80 elevators, each requiring 4 to 8 men to operate.
- Smells and sounds were used to agitate or calm animals before they entered the arena.
- Gladiators entered the arena through hidden tunnels, avoiding direct contact with the audience.
Why Visit the Colosseum Underground Today
Many tourists visit the Colosseum without realizing what lies beneath their feet. Yet, it’s in the underground where you truly understand how the shows were organized and get a glimpse of the “behind-the-scenes” life of Imperial Rome. It’s not just about ancient stones—it’s a living place that still stirs emotion today.
Visiting the Colosseum underground is like opening a door to a hidden chapter of history. It’s one of the most immersive experiences you can have in Rome—and a must for anyone who wants to experience the full grandeur of the Colosseum.
