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Colosseum Underground Tours
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Explore the restricted Underground chambers, where gladiators and wild animals awaited their fate before battle.
- Everything you get: Descend into tunnels, holding cells, and trapdoors where gladiators prepared for battle. Then, step onto the Arena Floor and stand where battles once raged. Explore the seating tiers and museum, where ancient artifacts reveal Rome’s past. Your expert guide brings to life the spectacles, rulers, and warriors that shaped Roman entertainment.
- Why choose this? The only tour that grants full access to the Colosseum—from its Underground chambers to the Arena Floor and panoramic tiers. Step onto the battleground, then see it from the stands, just as spectators once did.
- Upgrades: Expand your journey into ancient Rome with a guided tour of the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, home to the Temple of Antoninus Pius, Temple of Saturn, and the Arch of Septimius Severus, or opt for a small group of 8 for a more personalized experience.
Explore the restricted Underground chambers, where gladiators and wild animals awaited their fate before battle.
- Everything you get: Descend into tunnels, holding cells, and trapdoors where gladiators prepared for battle. Then, step onto the Arena Floor and stand where battles once raged. Explore the seating tiers and museum, where ancient artifacts reveal Rome’s past. Your expert guide brings to life the spectacles, rulers, and warriors that shaped Roman entertainment.
- Why choose this? The only tour that grants full access to the Colosseum—from its Underground chambers to the Arena Floor and panoramic tiers. Step onto the battleground, then see it from the stands, just as spectators once did.
- Upgrades: Expand your journey into ancient Rome with a guided tour of the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill, home to the Temple of Antoninus Pius, Temple of Saturn, and the Arch of Septimius Severus, or opt for a small group of 8 for a more personalized experience.
Inclusions
- Guided tour of the Colosseum & Underground
- English, Portuguese, French, Italian, or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)
- Exclusive Arena Floor access
- Exclusive Underground access
- Access to the Colosseum tier 1 & 2 and Museum
- Guided tour of Palatine Hill & Roman Forum with priority access (as per option selected)
- Small group of max 8 people (as per option selected)
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Access to upper floors
- Hotel transfers
- All guests must go through an airport-style security check at entry for maximum safety. Expect to stand in line, this mandatory step cannot be skipped.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, baby carriages, and people with mobility issues.
- Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID with you to gain entry.
- Access to the underground is restricted to the general public. Be sure to book ahead to guarantee your spot!
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Explore Rome’s layered past—from ancient temples to underground churches—at your pace, with a multimedia guide.
- Everything you get: Start with a 25-minute multimedia video that brings ancient Rome to life, then explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill before entering the Colosseum with timed entry. Later, uncover a hidden gem—the Basilica of San Clemente. This underground site spans three layers: a 12th-century church, a 4th-century basilica with medieval frescoes, and a 1st-century Mithraic temple.
- Why choose this: Pair Rome’s popular landmarks with a rare underground journey into the city’s past. With a multimedia intro, flexible pacing, and reserved entry to the Basilica excavations, it’s perfect for curious travelers who want to go beyond the surface.
Explore Rome’s layered past—from ancient temples to underground churches—at your pace, with a multimedia guide.
- Everything you get: Start with a 25-minute multimedia video that brings ancient Rome to life, then explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill before entering the Colosseum with timed entry. Later, uncover a hidden gem—the Basilica of San Clemente. This underground site spans three layers: a 12th-century church, a 4th-century basilica with medieval frescoes, and a 1st-century Mithraic temple.
- Why choose this: Pair Rome’s popular landmarks with a rare underground journey into the city’s past. With a multimedia intro, flexible pacing, and reserved entry to the Basilica excavations, it’s perfect for curious travelers who want to go beyond the surface.
Inclusions
- Timed-entry ticket to the Colosseum
- Access to the Roman Forum
- Access to Palatine Hill
- Reserved entrance ticket to the excavations of the Basilica of San Clemente
- 25-minute Ancient Rome multimedia video
Exclusions
- Access to the Arena and Underground levels of the Colosseum
- Food and drinks
- Transfers
- Audio guide or guided tour of the Basilica of San Clemente
- Headsets
- Entry to the Basilica of San Clemente requires modest attire—no exposed shoulders or knees.
- The Basilica visit is self-guided; no audio or live guides included.
- Photography is strictly forbidden inside the Basilica.
- Timed Colosseum entry is scheduled roughly two hours after your multimedia intro.
- The Basilica excavation ticket covers underground access; church entry is free.
- All guests must go through an airport-style security check at entry for maximum safety. Expect to stand in line, this mandatory step cannot be skipped.
- The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, baby carriages, and people with mobility issues.
- Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID with you to gain entry.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Top things to do in Rome
Colosseum Underground (Hypogeum) Quick Facts
- Purpose: Backstage for the Colosseum, where gladiators, slaves, and wild animals were housed before the fight.
- Access Areas: Underground tunnels, holding cells, trapdoors, Arena Floor, seating tiers.
- Inclusions: Expert-guided tour with stories of gladiators, emperors, and Roman engineering.
- Materials and Architecture: Constructed with stone and Roman brick using ancient engineering techniques, including manual elevators and pulley systems for dramatic stage effects.
- Date of construction: The Hypogeum was constructed under Emperor Domitian's reign, around 81-96 AD, following the initial completion of the Colosseum in 80 AD.
- Reconstruction: Partially reconstructed during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
- Current use: A restricted-access historical site offering immersive guided tours that reveal the Colosseum’s behind-the-scenes workings.
Highlights of the Colosseum Underground tour
The Underground is where the real drama began—hidden from the public eye, this was the intense backstage of the Roman games. Here's everything you get to experience during your action-packed guided tour of Colosseum underground:
Explore the Arena floor
Start your Colosseum Underground tour in the Arena, also known as the stage. From here, you can appreciate the sheer scale of the amphitheater from a gladiator's perspective. You'll enter the Colosseum arena through the morbidly-named Gate of Death and absorb the dramatic atmosphere where gladiators once battled for survival.
Colosseum Arena Tours
The Hypogea
The next stop is the Hypogeum, or the Underground—where gladiators and wild animals waited before being hoisted into the Arena, often through trapdoors, unaware of their fate. Split into two levels, it was a maze of tunnels and cages used to prep performers, shift scenes, transport props, and care for animals—essentially the backstage of the Colosseum.
Walk the tunnels and imperial passages
The complex tunnel system included tunnels that the Emperor and Vestal Virgins could use for entry and exit, offering direct access to their imperial residence without having to mingle with other spectators. The tiles used in these particular passages boasted intricate decorations, distinguishing them from the rest. Gladiators had their own monumental arched entrances, designed for maximum theatrical impact as they emerged into the crowd’s roar.
Wooden elevators
To move animals, stage props, and even gladiators in and out of the Arena, the Romans used a system of wooden elevators hidden beneath the Colosseum. Powered by ramps and counterweights, these lifts were an incredible feat of engineering—and a big part of what made the shows so dramatic.
Frequently asked questions about Colosseum Underground tours
Are Colosseum Underground tours available year-round?
Yes, but with exceptions. Tours run throughout the year but may be paused due to adverse weather, restoration works, or exclusive events. Winter schedules may be more limited—check availability in advance.
Can I explore the Underground on my own?
No, the Underground is a restricted zone only accessible with a licensed guide. This is both for visitor safety and the preservation of the fragile archaeological area.
Does a general Colosseum ticket include Underground access?
No, not all Colosseum tickets include access to the Underground. The Colosseum Underground requires a separate ticket, which includes a guided tour. This ticket typically also includes access to the rest of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
Is the Underground tour physically demanding?
It can be. Expect uneven paths, stairs, and limited seating. These tours may not be ideal for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. Wear comfortable shoes and check accessibility details beforehand.
Are the tours suitable for children?
Yes, but best suited for older kids (8+). Younger children might find the historical depth and walking tiring. Some tours offer family-friendly formats—look out for those if traveling with kids.
Who designed the Colosseum Underground?
The Colosseum, including the Underground, was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty, but the hypogeum was added later by Emperor Domitian.
When was the Colosseum Underground built?
The Colosseum was built between 70-80 AD, but the Underground was added later, approximately ten years after the inauguration of the arena.
How do I get the most out of my Underground tour?
Choose a small group tour (around 8–12 people) for an intimate experience. This gives you more time with your guide, better photo ops, and fewer crowds in tight spaces.
What can I do at the Colosseum Underground?
Visitors to the Colosseum Underground can explore the labyrinthine tunnels, learn about the logistics of staging the grand gladiatorial games, and gain a deeper understanding of ancient Roman history and culture.
Do I need to book Colosseum Underground tours in advance?
Absolutely. These tours sell out fast due to limited group sizes and high demand, especially in spring and summer. Booking at least 2–3 weeks in advance is strongly recommended.
