How to visit the underground of the Colosseum: the "behind the scene" of the world most famous amphitheater

Created to entertain and please the public, its arena hosted gladiators, games, shows, and various events. Among the various shows, the most popular among the crowd were definitely the battles: between two men or between men and animals.

The Colosseum underground mechanism created to bring animals onto the stage was astounding. They were kept in the basement of the amphitheater and then emerged into the arena through winches...a real backstage! In addition, these winches allowed for the replacement of the bloodstained arena sand after an encounter.

Located 20 feet below the arena, the Colosseum's dungeons were very crowded: the animals resided there, as well as the gladiators before a bout, the attendants and the workers who moved the great machine. All the scenery that enriched the Colosseum shows resided in the dungeons, which, thanks to rudimentary but very effective mechanisms, appeared as if by magic on the arena to delight the spectators.

Another type of activity that took place in the amphitheater and involved its basement was the Naumachia, or naval battle. It is hypothesized that, for the realization of this game, water came from the overflowing dungeons, creating the illusion of a real ocean.

This was all thanks to an ingenious irrigation system devised by Julius Caesar.

The tour through the underground is a fascinating experience! You will see a manual elevator that was used to bring animals and gladiators to the surface of the Colosseum.

How to visit the basement of the Colosseum?

The standard ticket that includes a visit to the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums does not include a visit to the dungeons; consequently, you will have to buy another ticket.

The visit is limited to groups of up to 12 people.

On our website visititaly.eu you can book a ticket that will give you the full experience i.e., a guided tour of the Colosseum, its dungeons and the arena; entrance to the Roman Forum and the Palatine; and headphones so you can experience ancient Rome to the fullest.

You can also go directly to the Colosseum and go to the ticket office but we at Visit Italy recommend you buy it online to avoid the grueling lines.

If you want to experience this by moonlight you certainly can! Guided tours are also available at night, after sunset.