Colosseum Underground Tour: Explore the ancient Hypogeum

For visiting the Colosseum, there are numerous ticket and tour options available: with an audio guide, a personal guide, arena access, underground access, and more. The Colosseum stands as a testament to the architectural marvels of the ancient world, showcasing the profound cultural practices and entertainment events from ancient Rome.

For anyone interested in architecture and history, the complete package is a must: the Colosseum Tour with Arena and Underground access. While the standard tour is significantly cheaper, it only grants access to the spectator stands and the museum. That alone is an incredible highlight, but if you’re already in Rome and at the Colosseum, it’s worth experiencing everything.

Today, part of the arena floor has been restored and is accessible to visitors. The rest remains open, offering a view of the Colosseum’s underground.

The underground level, known as the Hypogeum, is almost more impressive than the stands with their 80 entrances. Nearly 2,000 years ago, this underground area of the Colosseum housed not only chambers and cells for slaves, prisoners, and wild animals but also featured fascinating stage technology.

Through numerous winches, pulleys, ramps, and elevators, cages with wild animals were brought into the arena, and entire landscapes were “magically created” from the ground. The Colosseum was far more than just a venue for gladiator fights. The arena also hosted theatrical performances. With its sophisticated stage technology, all kinds of landscapes and set designs could be brought to life in the arena, leaving the audience in awe.

Complete guided tours of the Colosseum, including the underground and arena floor, are less common. Arena and underground area are not included in standard Colosseum tickets! Keep in mind that a guided tour of the Colosseum including arena and underground will take several hours. Some offers even include a guided tour of the Roman Forum.

Lots of providers offer guided tours of the Colosseum. Read the itinerary carefully. A very low price (lower than 70,-) is a good sign that not everything is included.

Most of the tours are available in English though.

With up to 25 participants this is still a fairly intimate guided tour of the fascinating Colosseum. Included is a guided tour of the colosseum, the arena and the underground (dungeons or ‘hypogeum’) which will take approximately 3 hours. The ticket includes entry to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill as well. Depending on the season prices for adults start at € 89.

This guided Colosseum Night Tour with underground access is fascinating and unique. These tours start at 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM, after the official closing hours. Since the Colosseum is one of Rome’s most popular attractions, it’s nearly impossible to experience it without crowds during the day. The Colosseum Underground tour sells out quickly due to its high demand and limited availability.

On this guided evening tour, you can explore the Colosseum in a very small group with a maximum of 24 participants. The tour lasts approximately two hours. Please note that the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are not included in this tour! Currently, this option is unfortunately unavailable.

This tour is also conducted in English, but with a maximum of 6 participants. Over approximately 3 hours, you’ll experience the Colosseum, including the arena floor and underground, in an intimate setting with experienced guides. Afterward, the tour continues to the Roman Forum. The guides are highly knowledgeable and experienced. Visitors in recent years have praised the guides highly, but availability is very limited. Prices for this small group tour start at € 159 (more information and tickets)

For a similarly intimate experience, there’s another 1.5-hour small group tour with a maximum of 8 participants. Led by an English-speaking guide, it includes the Colosseum (arena and underground) and continues with access (without a guide) to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Prices start at approximately € 70.

When planning your Colosseum Underground Tour, there are a few key details to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

• Duration: The Colosseum Underground Tour typically lasts around 3-4 hours, depending on the tour operator and the pace of the group. This allows ample time to explore the underground tunnels, the arena floor, and other fascinating areas of the Colosseum.
• Meeting Point: Most tours start in front of the Colosseum, near the Caffe Roma at Via Del Colosseo 31. It’s a good idea to arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour begins to check in and get settled.
• Dress Code: Comfortable shoes and clothing are highly recommended, as the tour involves a fair amount of walking and standing. The terrain can be uneven, and there are stairs to navigate, so be prepared for a bit of a workout.
• Accessibility: Unfortunately, the Colosseum Underground Tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues due to the uneven terrain and stairs. If you have any concerns, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand.
• Audio Guides: To enhance your experience, audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Spanish, and French. These can provide additional context and information as you explore the site.

To ensure you have the best possible experience on your Colosseum Underground Tour, here are some helpful tips:

• Book in Advance: The Colosseum Underground Tour is incredibly popular and tends to sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot.
• Choose a Reputable Tour Operator: Opt for a reputable tour operator that offers skip-the-line access and knowledgeable guides. This will enhance your experience and ensure you get the most out of your visit.
• Arrive Early: Arriving at the meeting point early can help you avoid any last-minute issues and give you a head start on your tour. It’s always better to be early than to risk missing out.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Given the amount of walking and standing involved, comfortable shoes are a must. You’ll be navigating uneven terrain and stairs, so make sure your footwear is up to the task.
• Bring Water and Snacks: The tour can be physically demanding, and there may not be breaks for food and drink. Bringing water and snacks will help keep your energy levels up.
• Respect the Site: The Colosseum is a historic site with immense cultural significance. Be sure to respect the surroundings and follow any instructions or guidelines provided by your guide or site staff.
• Take Photos: Capture the memories of your visit with plenty of photos. However, be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines regarding photography.
• Learn About Ancient Rome: Use this opportunity to delve into the history of Ancient Rome. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide questions if you’re curious about anything.

The underground level of the Colosseum is truly unique, and it frequently raises many questions. Here, we take a look at some of the most common ones.