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Colosseum Underground Tours | See ancient Rome’s backstage

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Colosseum underground ruins with ancient stone structures in Rome, Italy.
























































Hear from our guests

Loved by 44 million+
Diane Saunders

Diane

Nov 2025
5/5
Coliseum was incredible and Paulina our guide was fantastic, she was knowledgeable and extremely friendly and approachable. Best guide I have ever had.
Ivan Alexis Popoff

Ivan

Nov 2025
5/5
The guide was very clear and professional
Michelle Hennessy

Michelle

Oct 2025
4/5
The guide was very knowledgeable. The trip did have a bumpy start though, there was no one at the meeting point, when we did find them they were not waving a flag and did not have a green hat one!
Colin Ball

Colin

Oct 2025
5/5
The guide was very good, fun and explained the history and stories very well. The sites were incredible, and being able to visit deeper into the buildings and colosseum is a must see.
Schröter Sebastian Benjamin

Schröter

Oct 2025
5/5
Our guide was super and extremely good. You could tell that he is an archaeologist and knows a lot about the subject matter. Unfortunately, we didn't ask enough questions.
Julija Červinskienė

Julija

Oct 2025
4/5
Entrance was a little chaotic, but later our guide talking very interesting and the tour was very interesting
Michel Antoni Sein

Michel

Oct 2025
5/5
The tour was great. We cut through all the queues. And our guide was very attentive to the group
Miscu Andreea

Miscu

Sep 2025
5/5

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+1 more

Just everything...our guide Alessandro was great at doing his job, but also funny, he took us pictures and everything.

The Colosseum Underground, or hypogeum, was a maze of tunnels and cells beneath the arena floor. This was where gladiators and animals waited before being hoisted into the arena for battle. The hypogeum was equipped with mechanisms for elevating people and animals to the surface.

How to enter the Colosseum Underground?

The Underground lies directly beneath the Colosseum’s arena floor. Access is restricted and available only through guided small-group tours that help preserve the site.

Things to know before booking Colosseum Underground tours

  • Access: The Underground are restricted areas and can only be accessed with a licensed guided tour. Standard tickets won’t get you here, you’ll need this exclusive variant.
  • Limited availability: Only a few Underground tours operate daily with capped group sizes. These experiences are highly sought after and tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak season. It’s best to book at least two weeks in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
  • Full ancient Roman experience: Upgrade to a combo that includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill for temples, triumphal arches, and imperial palaces.
  • Small group options: For a more personalized experience, go for a small group tour limited to around 8 participants. You’ll get more direct interaction with your guide and space to explore at your own pace.
  • Price parity: Due to the exclusivity and limited group size, Underground tours are priced higher than general admission. However, the depth of access and guided insight make them a worthwhile splurge for history lovers and first-time visitors alike.
  • Accessibility: The Underground involves uneven floors, narrow passageways, and stairs. It is not recommended for visitors with mobility issues, wheelchairs, or strollers.

What to expect on a Colosseum underground tour

The Underground, or Hypogeum—a two-level labyrinth—was where the real drama began. Hidden from public view, it served as the backstage of Rome’s grand games. Meet your guide and start at the exclusive Colosseum underground entrance with a brief historical overview before descending below.

Archway passage in the underground Colosseum, Rome, with ancient stone walls and scattered ruins.

Ancient entertainment & gladiator life

Explore animal cages, gladiator holding cells, and wooden elevators. Each space reveals the tension and anticipation before battles, with guides sharing vivid stories of drama, danger, and surprise arena entrances.

Colosseum Rome tickets

Imperial & sacred passages

Discover private tunnels that once linked the underground to emperors and Vestal Virgins. Decorative tiles, preserved niches, and altars to Nemesis highlight the rituals, fate, and honor intertwined with the games.

Colosseum Rome tickets

Engineering & arena mechanics

Marvel at arches, passageways, and reconstructed elevators. Trapdoors and pulleys allowed rapid set changes, transforming the arena from naval stage to combat ground in minutes, exhibiting Roman ingenuity.

Tour guide leading visitors through Colosseum underground passage in Rome.

Immersive & guided experience

Cool stone walls, dim lighting, and echoing footsteps create suspense. Expert guides illuminate both mechanics and stories; gladiator traditions, imperial pageantry, and the logistics behind Rome’s legendary spectacles.

What to see inside the Colosseum Underground

Animal cages & lift chambers

Explore the holding areas for lions, tigers, and other wild animals, along with restored wooden elevators that hoisted them into the arena. The trapdoors and ramps showcase Roman ingenuity in orchestrating sudden, thrilling entrances.

Gladiator preparation areas

Walk through gladiator quarters and monumental arched entrances. Here, warriors readied themselves for battle while spectators above roared, highlighting the theatrical tension of the games.

Imperial & vestal passages

Hidden corridors allowed emperors and Vestal Virgins to access the arena privately. Decorative tiles and small niches hint at the sacred and symbolic nature of these spaces, including altars to Nemesis, goddess of fate.

Central gallery & arena mechanics

At the core, see remnants of pulleys, lifts, and stage fittings once used to transform the arena into seas, forests, or battlefields, blending spectacle with engineering.

Sacrificial altars & storage rooms

Small niches for offerings and storage areas for props, weapons, and costumes reveal the practical and ritual aspects of the underground.

Arena Floor access

Step onto the arena edge to appreciate the scale and imagine the roar of thousands. From here, the subterranean systems that supported Rome’s grandest spectacles come vividly to life.

Exclusive Arena tours

Unique facts about the Colosseum Underground

1. The Hypogeum was a game changer—literally.

The Colosseum originally didn’t have an underground level when it opened in 80 AD. The Hypogeum (Underground) was added under Emperor Domitian, transforming the way games were staged by allowing dramatic entrances via trapdoors and hidden lifts.

2. It had 60+ trapdoors for surprise effects.

A complex network of over 60 trapdoors connected to elevators and pulleys allowed animals and scenery to appear suddenly in the Arena—enhancing the suspense and showmanship of the games.

3. Wooden elevators were powered by human strength.

The ancient elevators that lifted animals and gladiators to the Arena were manually operated by teams of slaves using a system of winches, ropes, and counterweights. These elevators could lift up to 300 kg.

4. It was a backstage jungle—literally.

Exotic animals like lions, tigers, elephants, and crocodiles were held in cages below the Arena. They were released suddenly to surprise gladiators or be hunted for sport, recreating scenes of wild landscapes.

5. No two shows were alike.

The underground allowed organizers to completely change the setup of the Arena floor—from forest landscapes to shipwreck scenes—thanks to hidden stage props and movable platforms.

6. Forgotten for centuries.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum Underground was filled in with rubble and earth. It remained buried until excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries unearthed this ancient “backstage.”

7. A marvel of Roman engineering.

Even by modern standards, the coordination of trapdoors, elevators, and stage effects beneath a massive amphitheater was a masterclass in logistics and design—built over 2,000 years ago, without electricity or modern tools.

🏛️ Brief history of the Colosseum Underground

72–80 AD: Construction of the Colosseum begins under Emperor Vespasian and is completed by Titus. The Underground (hypogeum) is built to house animals, gladiators, and stage machinery.

80–404 AD: The Colosseum hosts gladiator battles, animal hunts, and elaborate shows. The Underground becomes the backstage hub for complex performances, using trapdoors and wooden elevators.

5th Century AD: With the decline of the Roman Empire, public spectacles cease. The Colosseum—and its Underground—falls into neglect and disrepair.

Middle ages: The structure is repurposed as a quarry. Stones are taken for other Roman buildings. The Underground is buried and forgotten.

18th–19th Centuries: Excavations begin, bringing parts of the Underground back to light. Archaeologists begin to uncover its original purpose and layout.

20th Century: Major restoration efforts aim to preserve the Colosseum, including structural work on the Underground chambers and tunnels.

2010s: The Colosseum Underground opens to the public via guided tours, offering an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at Rome’s most iconic amphitheater.

Detailed history of the Colosseum

Visitor tips

  • Arrive early or take late tours to avoid crowds and enjoy dramatic light filtering through the tunnels.
  • Wear sturdy, close-toed shoes for uneven stone floors and narrow staircases.
  • Check the weather; heavy rain can lead to tour cancellations due to flooding.
  • Travel light—carry a small bag, leave valuables at your hotel, and use secure camera straps.
  • Set your camera for low light—high ISO, wide apertures, or a small tripod will help capture dim passageways.
  • Consider accessibility; the underground isn’t wheelchair-friendly and may be challenging for claustrophobic visitors or young children.
  • Pause on suspended walkways for sweeping views of the Hypogeum’s engineering before focusing on finer details.
  • Respect site rules—avoid touching surfaces, follow guides’ instructions, and refrain from using flash or tripods.

Guide to planning your Colosseum visit

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.

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.

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