Pierecci's Underground Colosseum Tour

Pierecci's Underground Colosseum Tour offers a rare glimpse into the hidden bowels of Rome's most iconic monument. This specialized tour takes you below the arena floor to the hypogeum, a network of tunnels, cages, and mechanical lifts that once brought gladiators, animals, and scenery up to the arena. You'll walk through the same corridors where slaves and beasts awaited their fate, and see the reconstructed elevator systems that made the spectacles possible. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who explain the engineering marvels of the Colosseum and the logistics of staging ancient games. Above ground, you'll also explore the arena floor and the upper tiers, with views over the Forum. The group size is kept small to allow access to restricted areas. Pierecci's is based in the Trionfale neighborhood, but the tour meets at the Colosseum. This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts who want to go beyond the standard tourist route. The underground area was only opened to the public in 2010, making this a relatively new and exclusive way to experience the Colosseum.

Don't miss

• Access to the underground hypogeum with original lift mechanisms
• Guided explanation of gladiator combat and animal hunts
• Views from the arena floor where battles took place
• Exploration of the third tier for panoramic city views
• Insight into the Colosseum's construction and engineering

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Pierecci's Underground Colosseum Tour

Cheapest way inColosseum and Roman Forum Sightseeing Area Walking Tour4.9★ · 170 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →Most bookedColosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour4.5★ · 9,909 travelers~3 hoursFrom$57 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleRome: Private Colosseum, Arena and Underground Tour with Pick-Up4.9★ · 109 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$553 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Wear sturdy shoes; the underground paths are uneven and can be slippery.
• Photography is allowed, but no flash in the underground area.
• Arrive 15 minutes early; the tour departs promptly at the scheduled time.
• Bring water, especially in summer; there are no fountains inside the underground area.

A bit of history

The Colosseum was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and completed by his son Titus in AD 80. The hypogeum was added later under Emperor Domitian, featuring 32 animal cages and 80 vertical shafts for lifts. It remained buried under rubble until the 19th century.