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Colosseum Underground Tours

4.4(139.2K Ratings)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Colosseum Underground Tours






From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
fanny JEZEQUEL
FR

Fanny

France
Jun 2025
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Many thanks to our guide Said for this fascinating tour of the Colosseum, the Palatine and the Roman Forum! Thanks to him, history really came to life, even for our 13 and 17 year olds, whom he managed to put on stage! Clear explanations, lively anecdotes and well-judged humor: a real family pleasure. An enriching, fast-paced visit, conducted with passion and kindness. We highly recommend Said, who even recommended a good restaurant at our request!
Cesar Britez
AR

Cesar

Argentina
Jun 2025
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The tour guided by SUSANA, was EXCELLENT, for her dedication, her clear answers and with historical value. The whole tour was wonderful despite all the tourists who attended that day (something normal) but I highlight the work of Susana in that all the group observed every detail with valuable information. THANK YOU SUSANA. (group colosseum, palatine and roman forum of 9/6/25 at 11hs.
Eliphaz Mpanoyimana
IT

Eliphaz

Italy
Jun 2025
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The guide, Said, was engaging and very professional. She went well beyond the time of the visit as she understood that we were involved and interested in her explanations. The booking site worked well and the directions to the appointment were also clear and thorough. I will certainly have more experiences with you. Recommended!
DAREN WICKING
GB

Daren

United Kingdom
Jun 2025
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+2 more

Seeing the Colosseum for the first time was a wow moment. But getting inside was just amazing and with the full experience of being taken around by our knowledgeable tour guide from Inside Out Italy made it quite special. The highlight was of course seeing the whole of the Colosseum from the arena floor but we also got taken up and round different floors and seeing it from different angles. Then after the Colosseum you're taken across to the Roman Hill and Paletine. So all in all it was what I would call a thorough tour the only bit we didn't see up close was the underground part of the Colosseum but you get to see the central underground section from the arena floor anyway. Well worth doing.
Lisette Russariz
MX

Lisette

Mexico
May 2025
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The highlight of my visit was our guide Bruno was the best, he is an archaeologist and explained very clearly. Fantastic
Giovanni Sciuto
IT

Giovanni

Italy
Jun 2025
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Long and interesting tour, Colosseum, Palatine and fori are a place where time stands still and despite the many tourists you can stop in the shade to imagine the 'empire and rest.
Nicola Reynolds
US

Nicola

United States
May 2025
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The experience was very good as far as the purchase of the tickets and audio went. The Colosseum is definitely worth a visit, but the huge crowds made the viewing experience very slow and at times unpleasant. The lines for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill were so long that we decided to not complete the tour.
Julia Belcher

Julia

May 2025
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Honestly, bypassing the chaos. We saved so much time and our tour guide was wonderful. Highly recommend. Bonus: The tickets include entrance to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. So we enjoyed that after taking a break for lunch.

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Colosseum Underground | Ancient Rome’s backstage

The Colosseum Underground, known as the "hypogeum," was a network of tunnels and cells beneath the floor of the main arena. This complex subterranean structure was the area where gladiators stood, anxiously, sweating, waiting for their turn to enter the arena and engage in a fight to their death. The hypogeum was equipped with mechanisms for elevating people and animals to the surface.

Things to know before booking Colosseum Underground tours

  • The Underground and Arena Floor are restricted areas and can only be accessed with a licensed guided tour. It's not included in your regular Colosseum access. Led by a local expert, these tours take you from the depths of the hypogeum to the upper tiers, revealing stories of gladiators, emperors, and the engineering marvels that powered Roman spectacles.
  • 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.
  • Most Underground tours also include ​Arena Floor access, where gladiators once entered the spotlight, as well as the upper tiers, giving you sweeping views of the amphitheater. Entry to theRoman Forum andPalatine Hill is often bundled in. While Colosseum access is timed, the other two sites can be visited anytime within 24 hours, giving you more flexibility.
  • 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—ideal if you’re keen on detailed storytelling or photography.
  • 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.
  • Note that the Underground involves stairs and uneven surfaces, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users and those with mobility concerns. Comfortable footwear is recommended for all visitors.

Colosseum Underground (Hypogeum) Quick Facts

Colosseum Rome tickets
  • 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.
Interesting Colosseum Facts

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:

Colosseum Rome tickets

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
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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.

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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.

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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.

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

Visiting the Colosseum underground today

Since the underground was opened to the public in 2010, it is possible to visit this part of the amphitheater. However, access is limited and requires a licensed tour guide due to the area's historical importance and fragility.

These tours often include additional areas of the Colosseum, such as the Arena and the upper tiers, offering visitors a comprehensive experience of this iconic monument. A visit to the Underground is an unforgettable journey into the past, shedding light on the ingenuity and grandeur of ancient Rome.

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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.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.