The Colosseum Underground Tour 4

If it’s got big teeth and a taste for human flesh, there’s a pretty good chance it once called the Colosseum Underground home. The subterranean chambers beneath this epic monument weren’t just for fearsome gladiators – they also housed many of the wild beasts shipped in from across the Roman Empire: from Bavarian Brown Bears to Syrian Lions. Our Colosseum tour with underground access is our most comprehensive, and includes every section of the Colosseum, plus Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum – all with premium skip-the-line access.

We’ll enter the arena – where all the juicy action happened. On a big day of festivities, this 87x55m patch of dust was the beating heart of Ancient Rome. Close your eyes whilst stood in the centre and you can almost hear the ecstatic cheers and blood-curdling screams of the old days. Thankfully, we won’t be required to slay any bears, lions or gladiators whilst we’re here (we hope!).

We’ll then descend beneath the Colosseum floor to the fabled Undergound. This spooky area was the backstage to all the death, gore and glory we see in the movies. It was here that anxious young men would spend time before and after the fight. And it was here, away from the action, that they’d grow as people – morphing, battle-by-battle, from wide-eyed adolescents into the god-like heroes of the history books.

After a short 30-minute break, we’ll make our way to the next stop: Palatine Hill. This was the grassy peak upon which Romulus is said to have founded the city of Rome almost 3000 years ago. No surprise then, that the Roman Emperors chose it as the spot for some of the finest and most spectacular palace’s the ancient world ever saw. They were so fine – in fact – that the word Palace is actually a derivative of the word Palatine. Damn!

The last peg on our journey will be the Roman Forum. Centuries ahead of the rest of the world in terms of its cultural significance, this teeming hub of philosophers, scientists, lawmakers, Pontiffs and commoners was the brains behind Ancient Rome. It was here, among the ornate churches and grand piazza’s, that the real strength of the Romans shone through: their desire and ability to share ideas.

This is where we’ll wrap up the tour, after which you’re welcome to roam freely through the Forum, or head off for some local food and drink (our fave spot is Monti). As always – be sure to ask our guides for the best dining tips.

This route covers about 2.5 kilometres in total and is conducted at a leisurely pace that is suitable for all. The tour duration is around 3 hours.

Colosseum tickets & Palatine Hill and Roman Forum tickets included.

Want to do this tour in the evening? Join us on our Colosseum Night Tour.