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

Tour guide showing a diagram to participants at the Colosseum.

Discovery & excavation: Uncovered in the early 19th century under architect Carlo Lucangeli and reopened in 1874. Detailed archaeological studies continued through the 1990s.
Restoration timeline: Major restoration took place from October 2024 to September 2025, directed by Angelica Pujia under the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum.
Purpose in antiquity: Built as a private, fortified corridor for emperors, especially Commodus, to move safely and appear dramatically in the arena.
Connection to Ludus Magnus: Linked the Colosseum to Rome’s largest gladiator school, where fighters trained before entering combat.
Modern revival: The restoration stabilized ancient masonry, added lighting and walkways, and improved accessibility, allowing todays's visitors to experience the imperial backstage firsthand.

When and how visitors can access the secret passage

Tour guide leading group near Colosseum in Rome.

Starting October 27, 2025, visitors can explore the Passage of Commodus exclusively on guided tours organized by the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo.
Independent entry isn’t available yet, access is limited to the Full Experience or special underground combination tours.
Tours run only on Mondays and Wednesdays in small groups of up to 8 people.
The visit covers about 25–30 meters of the restored imperial corridor between the Colosseum and Ludus Magnus, lasting around 25 minutes and offering a rare, atmospheric walk through the emperor’s private route.

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

The Emperor’s Tunnel

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.

Arena Connection Point

At the junction beneath the Colosseum, see where the tunnel meets the arena’s hypogeum, a maze of lifts and trapdoors once used for gladiators and animals. The lighting recreates the eerie atmosphere of the Colosseum’s backstage before battle.

Link to Ludus Magnus

Glimpse the sealed exit leading toward Ludus Magnus, the grand gladiator training school. Your guide would illustrate how trainees marched through this path toward the roar of the crowd, blending history, drama, and archaeology in one unforgettable view.

Restored details & photo moments

Spot preserved Roman masonry, drainage systems, and original paving, highlighted by soft amber lighting. Photo stops let you capture the tunnel’s depth and texture, a rare chance to stand where emperors once rehearsed their legends.

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How to include it in your Colosseum visit

Tour guide leading visitors through Colosseum underground passage in Rome.

Book the right experience

Once open, the Passage of Commodus will be part of select Colosseum Underground & Arena Floor Guided Tours or “Full Experience” tickets organized by Parco Archeologico del Colosseo. These tours combine the arena floor, underground chambers, and the newly restored imperial tunnel, perfect for travelers seeking behind-the-scenes access.

Visitors walking through the Roman Forum ruins in Rome.

Plan your route

Start your day at the Colosseum, then continue to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, both included with standard and guided tickets. Don’t miss the Ludus Magnus ruins just across the street, the tunnel’s original endpoint.

Tourists on the Colosseum arena floor during a semi-private tour with Gladiator’s Entrance.

Time your visit wisely

Morning or late-afternoon slots offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds underground. Access to the passage will be in small guided groups (up to 8 people), available only on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Colosseum Arena interior with tourists exploring ancient Roman architecture in Rome, Italy.

Explore related options

If tunnel access isn’t yet available during your dates, choose from popular alternatives like the Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Access or the Colosseum with Exclusive Arena Floor Guided Tour — both excellent introductions to Rome’s ancient core.

Frequently asked questions about the Passage of Commodus

When is the Passage of Commodus opening?

The Passage of Commodus opened to the public on October 27, 2025, after a major restoration project that lasted roughly one year.

Where is the Passage of Commodus located?

It is an underground corridor linking the Colosseum’s imperial box area to the Ludus Magnus gladiator school nearby.

How long is the Colosseum secret tunnel?

The tunnel is approximately 25–30 meters (about 80–100 feet) in length, following an S-shaped route underneath the arena.

Is independent entry allowed into the Passage of Commodus?

No, visitors must join a guided group tour; independent or self-guided entry is not permitted at this time.

What can visitors expect to see in the passage?

Highlights include original marble and stucco decorations, recreated natural lighting, underground chambers, and the route once taken by emperors to enter the arena unseen.

Are there any special rules or restrictions during the tour?

Groups are limited to about 8 visitors per tour to preserve the delicate environment and enhance the visitor experience.