Walk through the dimly lit underground corridor once reserved for emperors. Newly restored brick walls, vaulted ceilings, and moisture-sealed floors reveal the engineering precision of ancient Rome. Guides explain how Commodus used this route to enter the arena unseen.
Inside the Passage of Commodus — The Colosseum’s newly opened secret tunnel
What is the Passage of Commodus?
The Passage of Commodus is a newly restored underground corridor connecting the Colosseum with the Ludus Magnus, the gladiators’ training school. Opening to visitors on October 27, 2025, this tunnel once allowed Emperor Commodus to enter the arena unseen. The emperor, known for fighting as a gladiator himself, used it to maintain both safety and dramatic effect.
The story behind the Commodus Passage
When and how visitors can access the secret passage
Why it matters — The Emperor, the Arena, and the Myth
The Passage of Commodus is more than a hidden tunnel — it’s a stage for one of ancient Rome’s most audacious performances of power. Emperor Commodus, unlike any ruler before him, blurred the line between emperor and entertainer by fighting as a gladiator in the Colosseum. He entered the arena through this very passage, not for safety, but spectacle, determined to be seen as Hercules reborn, draped in a lion’s skin and demanding cheers for his orchestrated victories.
Ancient accounts tell of Commodus parading through the tunnel after killing an ostrich, brandishing its severed head toward the Senate with a chilling grin. The historian Cassius Dio, struggling not to laugh, stuffed laurel leaves in his mouth. That mix of awe, disbelief, and fear captures why the passage still fascinates today — it’s a living symbol of imperial ego and theatrical power, where Rome’s ruler turned myth into performance beneath the world’s grandest arena.
What you’ll see on the Passage of Commodus tour
Can’t wait for the Passage of Commodus?
Discover Rome’s original underground world today. Walk the tunnels, chambers, and corridors beneath the Colosseum with an expert guide.
How to include it in your Colosseum visit
Frequently asked questions about the Passage of Commodus
The Passage of Commodus opened to the public on October 27, 2025, after a major restoration project that lasted roughly one year.
It is an underground corridor linking the Colosseum’s imperial box area to the Ludus Magnus gladiator school nearby.
The tunnel is approximately 25–30 meters (about 80–100 feet) in length, following an S-shaped route underneath the arena.
No, visitors must join a guided group tour; independent or self-guided entry is not permitted at this time.
Highlights include original marble and stucco decorations, recreated natural lighting, underground chambers, and the route once taken by emperors to enter the arena unseen.
Groups are limited to about 8 visitors per tour to preserve the delicate environment and enhance the visitor experience.
