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How can I visit the Colosseum underground?

The Colosseum is the symbol of the eternal city, but your visit can go beyond its beautiful ruins. Today we will give tips and information for you to access the SPECIAL SPACES of the underground and the terrace of the Colosseum.

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How can I visit the Colosseum underground?

When we speak of Rome, its imposing Colisseum comes to mind. Its official name is Flavian Amphitheater and its ruins are one of the most visited monuments in the world. It is also part of the list of the seven modern wonders, but the Colosseum has other beauties besides its historical ruins. How can I visit the Colosseum underground? Read too our post: How to use the subway in Rome?  Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patricia you make the trip of your dreams!!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”

1) How can I visit the Colosseum underground? THE HISTORY

The capital of Italy is one of the most visited cities in the world. The Colosseum has always been the city’s postcard and receives thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. The Colosseum began to be built at the behest of the Emperor Vespasian, but was only completed after the possession of his son, Titus. It is one of the oldest monuments in the world and one of the most magnificent! Its wall on the outside preserves four floors of its structure and in the three stands below, there are rows with several arches. Learn more about Colosseum by clicking here!

In the fourth bleacher it is possible to see some rectangular windows. All seats in the building were made of marble and the staircase was divided into three parts, which ‘classified’ the social classes: the podium was reserved for the nobles, the “meaniana” (balcony) was where the residents’ middle class was and the porches were reserved for commoners and women. For important government names or distinguished visitors, there was the imperial grandstand, which was next to the podium.

2) How can I visit the Colosseum underground? THE ORIGIN OF THE NAME

The amphitheater held up to 80,000 people and there were about 80 entrance and exit staircases, which facilitated the flow of the crowd. The Colosseum was built on the lake of Nero’s house, the famous Domus Aurea (“Golden House”) and it became known as the Colosseum because there, during construction, a colossal statue of the emperor was found. The Colosseum, at the time of Christian persecution, was the ‘stage’ where devotees were thrown to hungry lions.

3) How can I visit the Colosseum underground? THE OPENING

It was inaugurated in 80 A.D. (8 years after the beginning of its construction) and the inauguration party lasted 100 days. It was during this period that 9,000 animals and 2,000 gladiators died there. In 523 A.D., activities there were definitively ended, but the air from the Roman Empire continues today, and inside, if we close our eyes, we can hear the ferocious roar of the lions and the cheers of the crowd.

Tip

  • Opt, if possible, for a guided tour of the Colosseum. The history of this place is fantastic and the guide tells you ALL the details of this impressive place! Going beyond the obvious at the Colosseum.

4) How can I visit the Colosseum underground?  BELVEDERE AND THE UNDERGROUND

Two great proposals for visiting there are: the underground and the belvedere. The Belvedere is the third, fourth and fifth rings of the structure, the common entrance DOESN’T GIVE ACCESS to these areas, O.K.?! These spaces are very special because they are preserved in the same conditions they were in at the end of the 5th century AD, when activities at the Colosseum were closed.

Belvedere

Before entering what is now a belvedere, you will pass through the only intact gallery of the building. There you can find plaster, skylights and they connect to corridors II and III. When you reach the open area, at a height of 30 meters, the view is UNIQUE: you can see the Imperial Forums and the Palatine Hill, which makes your mind instantly transport you to another time.

Underground

In the lower part, going underground, the whole atmosphere that the gladiators lived in is revived by the visitor. You can see a replica of the elevators (which were operated by slaves) that lifted the animals and the fighters to the arena, the walls intact and the floor very well preserved. In this corridor it is also possible to see, in the east, where the Libitinaria Gate was, which, in its lower part of the arena, gave access to the gladiators to reach the structure’s underground; that same path connected the underground to the Ludus magnus school, the great gladiator school.

The construction of the underground

There is still much to be studied there, but it is possible to imagine everything that happened there easily. The undergrounds were six meters below the arena. The structure of the underground is in tuff and travertine, a typical stone used in the Colosseum. Most of the material used to build this colossal work was transported by the Aniene River. In addition to the stones, the entire structure of the undergrounds was also supported by iron and lead cylinders, that is, the base is strong and resistant, although some holes are visible because of the action of time.

Circus of horrors

If we were to summarize in a few words, the Colosseum undergrounds were the backstage of cruel spectacles used to amuse the public. Cruel because thousands of people and animals died there. These backstage consisted of a central corridor on each side where several rooms were located where the gladiators prepared for battles. It was in these corridors that animals’ cages, such as lions and tigers, were placed.

Useful information

For more information, the company responsible for selling tickets is CoopCulture (official website ).

Sometimes it is difficult to purchase the tickets on the official website. So I advise you to check the availability on the partners of the Colosseum. It could be easier, and you can find a tour in English:

Here are some options for purchasing tickets with our partners (websites in English):

Tip

  • The site is often undergoing maintenance, so it is not always open. Find out before you travel and BUY THE TICKET IN ADVANCE! Buying on site is super complicated because the lines are huge. And arrive at the agreed time to meet with the group. They are very punctual and will not feel guilty about starting the tour without you! Lol

Are you going to stay in Rome? So you can get our exclusive hotel tips!

Here you will find great and free tips to not get fooled when choosing your hotel in Italy.

Plus: read our tips and advices about the Rome neighborhoods and where to stay! Here you will find the perfect hotel for you and for your needs, respecting you budget! Also: booking at booking.com, you will help us to keep our blog and for free! No fees, no click baits, no fake news!

Hotel I suggest near the Historic Center

If you are passionate about art and would like to stay in the center where you can move around walking, as well as having countless possibilities for places to have lunch / dinner or a snack, I advise you to stay in the historic center. Regions near the Trevi Fountain, the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Imperial Forum and the Villa Borghese, Piazza Spagna and Piazza Navona can be considered as “historic center”. These are the most expensive areas, but you will be close to everything, literally!

If you want to save a great option is the B&B, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

If you prefer a good hotel, I have three options that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

Hotels that I suggest near the San Giovanni Region

For those who want to find cheaper alternatives in quiet areas, but at the same time close to the means of transport to the center, I suggest the region of San Giovanni or Monti (near the metro stations San Giovanni, Castro Pretorio and Circus Massimo) – which it is a more residential neighborhood; therefore, more economical and quiet! And with just 15 minutes by subway you will be in the center too!

I have two options for Hotels that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

I have two options of B&B that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

Hotels I suggest near Vatican City

An interesting area to stay and a little cheaper than the historic center is the Vatican area (Vatican Museums) which is very well connected with everything.

I have two options of B&B that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

If you prefer a hotel, I have three options that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

Hotel I suggest near Termini Station

For those who prefer to stay in neighborhoods that have good access to the rest of the city and at a better price, then you should choose accommodation in the surroundings of Termini Station (from where a dense network of public means of transport starts, serving both: the local people and tourists).

I have 3 good hotel suggestions in Termini, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

If you prefer B&B I have 2 good suggestions, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

Hotels that I suggest in Trastevere

For those who prefer to “taste” authentic and characteristic Rome, there is nothing better than booking a hotel in Trastevere (on the outskirts of the city’s historic river), full of typical Roman history and traditions, known for the tortuous streets of sampietrini stones and the centers medieval style housing.

The neighborhood is in the historic center and to the right of the Tevere River, in the midst of a spectacular landscape, where each visitor can observe the countless churches and squares (such as Santa Maria in Trastevere). In addition, this neighborhood offers several local restaurants and canteens for those who want to try typical Roman cuisine.

If you want to save a great option is the B&B, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)

If you prefer a good hotel, I have two options that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)


Conclusion

How can I visit the Colosseum underground? Visiting the Coliseum beyond the obvious is a unique experience and deserves to be lived, at least, once in a lifetime. You will be surprised!

If you feel insecure or have no time, and need help to organize your trip, do not hesitate to look for me! I will love to help you make your dream trip to Italy. And how can I do that? Continue reading this post until the end and you will understand how can we make your life and journey easier ????

Did my post help you? If yes, make sure to leave your comment below, but if you still have questions, just leave them as a comment below and I will reply, O.K.?



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