Rome Attractions
The Colosseum is one of the most visited landmarks in the world, with 7 million tourists annually, but not everyone can explore what lies beneath the Roman monument.
While the general admission offers breathtaking views of this ancient amphitheater, the Colosseum Underground Tour takes your experience to the next level. Only 2% of visitors can explore them, making it a rare and exclusive experience.
Beneath the grand Arena are two underground levels – a hidden world of tunnels, chambers, and passageways where gladiators prepared for battle, wild animals were kept in cages, and intricate mechanisms were used to create jaw-dropping spectacles.
But why should you prefer an underground tour over a regular visit?
Unlike standard entry tickets, an Underground Tour grants access to exclusive areas that most visitors never see.
Underground levels cannot be explored on self-guided tours, so it is essential to book a guided tour to explore them.
This article shares everything you must know before booking your Colosseum underground tour.
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Things to know before booking tickets
Guided Tours Only: Access to the Colosseum Underground is restricted to guided tours to ensure preservation and provide expert insights from licensed guides.
Book Early: Tours sell out weeks in advance, especially during peak season (April to October). It’s best to book at least 1-2 months in advance.
Best Visiting Time: Early morning (8:30 AM – 10:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) for fewer crowds and better photography conditions.
Accessibility: The Underground is not wheelchair-friendly due to uneven terrain, narrow tunnels, and steps. Visitors with mobility issues should consider general admission for access to the main levels and Arena Floor.
Note: Underground tours involve a fair amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Colosseum Underground tour tickets
There are two Underground tours you can choose from – the 25-member group tour or the premium 8-member small group tour.
For both tours, the meeting point is at Via del Colosseo, 31. Get Directions
Guided Colosseum Underground tour
This tour gives you access to all the attractions within the Colosseum complex: the Colosseum, Arena Floor, Underground Chambers, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
As part of this tour, you will walk through the hidden underground tunnels and experience the Arena floor above them.
With skip-the-line entry, your expert guide will also take you through the Roman Forum, the heart of Roman civilization, and then head to Palatine Hill, the legendary founding site of Rome.
This tour is available with an English and Spanish-speaking guide.
The time slots for this guided tour start from 9 am to 1 pm, and a maximum of 25 participants can join the tour.
All participants get a headset to hear the guide clearly during the tour.
Cost of tickets
Adult (18+ years): Starts from €95
Child (2 to 17 years): Starts from €87
Infant (up to 1 year): Starts from €28
Premium Underground tour with a smaller group
If you want to explore the Roman attractions in a smaller group of eight, this tour would be the right choice for you.
With this tour, you will have guided access to the Colosseum, Arena Floor, and Underground Chambers, but the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill will be self-guided tours.
This tour is available only in English, and the time slots start from 8 am to 1 pm.
Cost of tickets
Adult (18+ years): Starts from €119
Child (2 to 17 years): Starts from €109
Infant (up to 1 year): Starts from €26
Want to know the right time to visit? Check out our guide on the best and worst times to see the Colosseum to avoid crowds and long waits.
Things to know before booking tickets
Guided Tours Only: Access to the Colosseum Underground is restricted to guided tours to ensure preservation and provide expert insights from licensed guides.
Book Early: Tours sell out weeks in advance, especially during peak season (April to October). It’s best to book at least 1-2 months in advance.
Best Visiting Time: Early morning (8:30 AM – 10:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) for fewer crowds and better photography conditions.
Accessibility: The Underground is not wheelchair-friendly due to uneven terrain, narrow tunnels, and steps. Visitors with mobility issues should consider general admission for access to the main levels and Arena Floor.
Note: Underground tours involve a fair amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
What is the Colosseum Underground
The Colosseum in Rome is a stadium-like structure with 50,000 seats and a central area for gladiators to perform.
The fighters performed on the arena floor in the middle of the Colosseum, which was built of wood and covered with sand.
The Romans built trap doors on this wooden floor for dramatic entries during the gladiator fights.
The Colosseum Underground is a two-story structure beneath the Arena. It is full of tunnels, cages, and rooms for gladiators and wild animals participating in the shows.
Since the wooden arena floor couldn’t stand the test of time, the underground is now exposed to all.
The Colosseum Underground, also known as the Hypogeum, has a series of connected corridors and tunnels.
Did you know you can enter through the Colosseum’s ‘Death Gate’ for a unique experience? Find out about all the Colosseum entrances.
Can you visit the Colosseum Underground?
Yes, but access to the Underground is only available through guided tours.
Not all Roman Colosseum tickets include access to the underground.
Visitors can access the underground as part of guided tours led by authorized guides.
Unlike the general Colosseum ticket, this tour provides an exclusive look at restricted areas, including the tunnels, trapdoors, and gladiator holding cells.
Since self-guided entry is not allowed, booking a Colosseum Underground Tour in advance is highly recommended.
Want a breathtaking experience? Consider a sunset tour or night tour of the Colosseum when the crowds thin out and the monument is beautifully illuminated.
Is the Colosseum Underground tour worth it?
If you are wondering whether the Colosseum Underground is worth it, here is what you get:
✅ Skip-the-line access – No waiting in long queues, allowing you to maximize your visit without wasting time.
✅ Expert guide – Learn in-depth history and stories of gladiators, their combat techniques, and life in ancient Rome.
✅ Exclusive areas – Visit restricted sections not open to general visitors, including the underground chambers, animal cages, and the Gladiator Gate.
✅ See ancient engineering – Explore the tunnels, lifts, and trapdoors used in gladiator battles, marveling at the advanced mechanics of Roman amphitheater construction.
✅ Experience the atmosphere – Walk through dimly lit corridors and imagine the intense emotions of gladiators waiting for their fate in the grand arena above.
Explore more in a day
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions tourists usually ask about the Colosseum Underground Tours.
Can I visit the Colosseum Underground without a tour?
No, underground access is only available through guided tours. The restricted areas, including the Hypogeum and underground chambers, require a licensed guide for entry.
How far in advance should I book Underground tickets?
It’s best to book 1-2 months in advance, especially in peak seasons. Tickets for the Colosseum Underground Tour are in high demand due to the limited number of daily visitors allowed.
Is there a night tour of the Colosseum Underground?
Yes! The Night Tour offers an exclusive after-hours experience. This tour allows visitors to explore the Colosseum Underground and Arena Floor under atmospheric lighting, providing a unique perspective away from the daytime crowds. Check out this ticket
How much does the Colosseum Underground ticket cost?
Tickets range from €40-€100, depending on inclusions and providers. The cost varies based on whether you choose basic entry, a combination tour with Roman Forum access, or a VIP night experience.
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