Go Behind The Scenes Of Rome's Colosseum On A Very Eerie And Underrated Tour

The crowds roar overhead as you walk trepidatiously, heart racing with a sword in hand towards a perilous fight against man or beast. Okay, so maybe this requires a little bit of imagination. However, gladiators once walked the ancient halls underneath the Colosseum, and now, you can, too. Opened to the public in 2021, visitors can now take a behind-the-scenes tour and learn about the fascinating happenings beneath the surface of what may be Italy's most iconic historic attraction.

Construction on the Colosseum began in the first century under Emperor Vespasian and was completed by his successor and son, Titus. In its heyday, this large amphitheater was thought to have sat anywhere from 50,000 to 80,000 spectators, all anxiously prepped for some entertaining bloodshed. Back in the day, the Colosseum was undoubtedly the place to be. Although the Colosseum no longer showcases gladiator fights, you can still feel the energy pulsating through its 3.5 million cubic feet of travertine stone. The best way to experience that energy? By taking a tour underneath the iconic structure.

A tour of the underground typically lasts around an hour and a half, not including any extra time you may want to spend exploring other parts of the Colosseum. This is undoubtedly one of Rome's most unique experiences as the underground is only accessible by guided tour, and booking ahead of time is recommended. The underground portion has uneven surfaces and narrow passages, so it is most likely not suitable for those with mobility challenges. There are numerous tour options to choose from, including Viator and Get Your Guide, or visitors can book directly through the Colosseum website. 

Tickets purchased via sites like Viator or Get Your Guide range in price, as some options offer full guided tours of the underground, the Colosseum, and Palatine Hill. If you decide to book a tour with one of these sites, double-check the timeframe, as you may need to block out half a day to participate. It is more than worth it, of course; how often do you get to explore the underground network of arguably the world's most famous arena? For those seeking to explore one of ancient Rome's famed pastimes (and one of the Eternal City's most macabre settings), an adventure through the underground is unmissable. 

What lies below the surface of this ancient wonder is a 15,000-square-meter maze complete with passageways, trapdoors, tunnels, and cages. This is where gladiators, animals, and prisoners all awaited their turn to face whatever glory or horror awaited them above. The underground and its labyrinths represent a behind-the-scenes look into a piece of history that has had an immense impact on the world of sports and entertainment today. 

Archeologists have uncovered a plethora of information regarding the arena's inner workings, including tools, equipment, and even traces of the original elevators that hoisted animals and gladiators to the surface. Now, a reconstructed elevator allows visitors to look inside the mechanisms used during ancient Rome. One of the best parts of this tour is its exclusivity, as regular ticket holders are not allowed to access these halls. The tour also offers visitors a unique perspective, as they can imagine what it would feel like to walk through the corridors as a gladiator.  Tour guides offer visitors fascinating tales of ancient Rome, perfect for history buffs and casual fans alike. So, while the Colosseum can hardly be considered an underrated attraction in the Eternal City, a visit into its mysterious depths most certainly fits the bill.