Experience the Colosseum Underground with Arena Floor & Roman Forum Tour

Explore the hidden mysteries of the Colosseum with our expert-led Colosseum Underground Tour and uncover the magnificent history of one of the world's most iconic sites.

Put Yourself in Gladiators Sandals

You’ll begin your Underground tour at the back entrance to the Colosseum, away from the normal tourist lines. Your guide will take you below to the restricted Underground section to see how the grand events were orchestrated. Imagine the drama that took place here between the encircling walls and the buzz of the 80,000 strong crowds that packed the seats. Then your guide will lead you up the vomitoriums to see what it was like for those who could cheer at the bloody events from the safety of their seats.

Feel the Republic come to Life

After the Colosseum use our Skip-the-Lines access to enter the political center of Rome, the Ancient Forum. You’ll walk through the temples built by triumphant Emperors along the Via Sacra, the same road which battle-hardened soldiers walked on as they returned home to a city that many of them no longer recognized. From this public space, the pressure created by an expansionist empire and the needs of the growing citizens was channeled into vast building projects like the Colosseum.

Breath in the clear air where the City was born

You’ll also be able to see the actual birthplace of Rome on Palatine Hill. This was where the siblings Romulus and Remus were rescued from the Tiber. Their own personal conflict over territory led to the foundation of Rome as a city. Later, the hill was used by Emperors to legitimize their own authority. You will enjoy the same vantage point from the hill as successive Roman Emperors.

Discover the Real Stories of Rome

This tour will bring to life the sweltering conditions beneath the Colosseum where gladiators, captured criminals, Christian martyrs, and wild animals waited to meet their fate in just three hours. You’ll also stroll through the wide-open public spaces of the Forum and up to the lofty heights associated with the kings and Emperors. You’ll uncover what went on below the surface of Ancient Rome, whether it was gladiators becoming noble warriors, orators becoming leaders or Emperors becoming divine gods.