The Colosseum Underground & Arena Tour is a popular guided tour option for visitors to the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an ancient Roman structure built in the 1st century AD. It is one of the most iconic and well-preserved examples of Roman architecture and engineering.
The Underground & Arena Tour allows visitors to explore the hidden areas of the Colosseum that are not accessible on a regular general admission ticket. Here's what you can expect from the tour:
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Access to the Underground: The tour takes you beneath the Colosseum to explore the underground chambers. These areas were used for various purposes, including storing equipment, holding gladiators and animals, and providing a backstage area for the spectacles that took place in the arena.
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Colosseum Arena Floor: The tour also grants access to the arena floor, where the gladiators and performers would have battled in front of a roaring crowd. Walking on the same ground where ancient events took place can be a thrilling experience.
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Hypogeum: The hypogeum refers to the intricate network of tunnels and passageways beneath the arena floor. It housed the mechanisms and infrastructure required for the elaborate spectacles, such as trapdoors, elevators, and cages for holding animals.
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Historical Insights: Throughout the tour, knowledgeable guides provide historical information, anecdotes, and stories about the Colosseum and its role in ancient Roman society. You can learn about the games, the gladiators, and the architecture of the amphitheater.
It's important to note that access to the underground and arena floor areas is only possible through a guided tour. The regular general admission ticket does not include entry to these restricted areas. The Colosseum is a popular tourist attraction, so it's advisable to book your tour in advance to secure a spot and avoid long queues.
Exploring the Colosseum's underground and arena floor gives visitors a unique perspective on the grandeur and complexity of this ancient structure. It allows you to delve deeper into the history of the amphitheater and imagine the events that unfolded within its walls.