Walk in the footsteps of gladiators. Access the restricted dungeons and arena floor where history's greatest spectacles unfolded. Book your exclusive tour through our trusted partners.
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Walk the ancient paths of the Roman Forum and explore the Colosseum's hidden underground chambers with an expert guide.
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Embark on a guided tour of the Colosseum with access to the arena, underground, second tier, and more.
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Visit the Colosseum, the largest amphitheater in the Roman world, the Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum with an expert guide.
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Delve beneath the Colosseum's amphitheater to explore its network of tunnels and chambers and see the Forum and Palatine Hill.
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Embark on a guided tour of Rome's Colosseum, including the restricted underground section and arena floor with a small group.
All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place
Go beyond the standard Colosseum visit and delve into the heart of the ancient world's most famous amphitheater. Colosseum Underground tours grant you exclusive access to areas off-limits to regular ticket holders. You'll descend into the Hypogeum, the intricate network of tunnels and holding pens where gladiators and wild animals awaited their fate. Then, step out onto a reconstruction of the Arena Floor, seeing the Colosseum from the perspective of those who fought and died there. These comprehensive guided experiences, offered by our top-rated partners, provide an unparalleled understanding of the engineering marvels and human dramas that defined this iconic landmark.
We feature tours from the most reputable and highly-rated providers in Rome, ensuring you receive a world-class guided experience from official partners like GetYourGuide.
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Easily find tours that fit your itinerary. Benefit from the 24/7 customer support and flexible cancellation policies offered by our tour operator partners.
We specialize in offering access to hard-to-book, restricted areas like the Underground and Arena Floor, saving you the hassle of navigating multiple sites.
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer the best experience with pleasant weather and slightly fewer crowds than summer. Winter is the least crowded but can be cold and rainy. Summer (June-August) is very hot and crowded, so booking the earliest morning tour is highly recommended.
Wear extremely comfortable footwear as you'll be walking for hours on uneven surfaces.|Dress in layers as temperatures can vary between the sunny upper tiers and the cool, damp Underground.|In summer, lightweight, breathable clothing is a must, along with a hat and sunglasses.|Shoulders and knees do not need to be covered as it's an archaeological site, not an active religious one.
The Colosseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre, was completed in 80 AD. The Underground, or Hypogeum, was a complex two-level subterranean network of tunnels, cages, and mechanical elevators. This is where gladiators, condemned prisoners, and exotic animals were held before being dramatically lifted onto the arena floor to the roar of 80,000 spectators. Accessing this area provides a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the logistical marvels and brutal reality of the Roman games.
Cancellation policies vary depending on the tour operator you select through our platform. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 or 72 hours before the tour start time. Always check the specific policy on the booking page before confirming your reservation.
Real experiences from real travelers
Don't even think about visiting the Colosseum without booking an Underground tour. Our guide, arranged through this platform's partner, was incredible. Standing on the arena floor and then going down into the 'backstage' area was mind-blowing. It truly brings the history to life. Booking was easy and worth the advance planning.
Even as a local, I had never been to the Underground. I booked a tour for my visiting family and was blown away. The guide provided stories and details I'd never heard. Seeing the engineering of the Hypogeum is incredible. A must-do to truly understand our history.
The access to the underground and arena was phenomenal. Our guide was knowledgeable and passionate. My only small critique is that even in a 'small group' tour, the underground tunnels can feel a bit crowded because the spaces are so tight. Still, an unforgettable experience that I'd recommend.
Booking this special access tour was the best decision of our Rome trip. We skipped the massive lines and got to see areas that 90% of visitors miss. The view from the arena floor is something I'll never forget. The guide's headset system worked perfectly, so we never missed a word. Highly efficient and fascinating.
The level of detail you experience on this tour is exceptional. To walk through the same tunnels as the gladiators is a profound feeling. Our guide was excellent at explaining the complex machinery and daily life within the Colosseum. The booking process was secure and straightforward. Arigato!
Everything you need to know for your trip
Absolutely. It offers a completely different perspective than a standard visit. Accessing the gladiators' tunnels and the arena floor provides a much deeper, more immersive understanding of the Colosseum's history and function. It's the most comprehensive way to experience the monument.
A regular ticket grants access to the first and second tiers (the main spectator levels). An Underground ticket, booked via a guided tour, adds exclusive access to the Hypogeum (the dungeons beneath the arena) and usually includes access to the Arena Floor as well.
Yes, access to the Colosseum Underground is only possible as part of an official guided tour. You cannot enter this restricted area with a general admission ticket. The guide is essential for navigating the area and explaining its complex history.
You should book as far in advance as possible, ideally 1-2 months or more. Underground tour slots are extremely limited and are the first to sell out, especially during peak season (April-October).
Unfortunately, no. The Underground (Hypogeum) involves narrow passages and steep stairs, making it inaccessible for guests using wheelchairs or for strollers. The general access areas of the Colosseum have elevators and accessible routes.
Yes, children are welcome, but the tour involves a lot of walking and standing. The dark, enclosed spaces of the Underground might be intimidating for very young children. Parents should use their discretion.
Most Underground tours offered by our partners do include access to the reconstructed Arena Floor, offering the complete 'gladiator's perspective'. Always check the specific tour details before booking to confirm inclusions.
The guided portion of the tour covering the Colosseum, Underground, and Arena typically lasts around 3 hours. Your ticket also grants you access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which you can explore afterwards at your own leisure.
Your ticket is a combination ticket. After your guided tour of the Colosseum, it also provides entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill archaeological park. This makes it a full-day experience.
Your ticket is typically valid for 24 hours from the time of your Colosseum entry. This means you can visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill on the same day after your tour or the following morning, but you must check the specific ticket validity rules upon booking.
No. For security reasons, large backpacks, bulky bags, and luggage are not permitted. Only small daypacks or handbags are allowed. There is no cloakroom on site, so travel light.
Entry is strictly timed. If you are late, you may be denied entry and will not be eligible for a refund. It is critical to arrive at the meeting point at least 20-30 minutes before your scheduled tour time to allow for security checks.
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