In this article, we delve in and out of Rome’s must-see: the Colosseum, with special emphasis on questioning if the underground tour is worth your time and dime.
Hey there, sunshine! Hope you’re sitting comfortably because we’re embarking on an epic adventure! We’re heading into the legendary labyrinth deep beneath the Colosseum underground that’s grabbed the fancy of many a Rome-antic visitor. Mentally donned your Indiana Jones Fedora yet? Fantastic! Now let’s get to the bottom of a question that’s bugged every Rome-visiting traveler: “Is Colosseum Underground Worth It?” Fasten your seatbelts, prepare your cappuccino, and maybe a bowl of spaghetti; this is going to be a one-of-a-kind ride down Rome’s memory lane!
First things first, let’s talk about Rome and the inherent spell that lures millions globally. Rome’s history goes way back. We’re talking about the mythical founding by Romulus and Remus, to an empire that changed the course of history, to becoming the hub of Christian faith, and now, a modern city clawing onto its glorious past. Whew!
Walking down the cobblestones, you’re not just traversing a roadside; nope, you’re strolling atop tales of love, war, conspiracy, faith, defeat, victory… the list goes on. It’s this overpowering sense of history, coupled with the charm of modern Rome – the lingering smell of pizza, the gelato cart around the corner, the stylish locals sipping their espressos – that captures hearts. While it’s challenging to encapsulate the essence of Rome in mere words, let’s say Rome is an intoxicating cocktail of the past and the present, served with a generous dollop of La Dolce Vita!
What’s Rome without the grand Colosseum? As you approach the colossal structure, try not to let your jaw literally drop at the sight of the imposing stone arches.
The Colosseum, or the Flavian Amphitheatre as it was originally known, was an elaborate gift to the Roman denizens by the Flavian Emperors, primarily Emperor Vespasian and his son, Titus. This massive stone amphitheater, the largest in the Roman world, marked the banishment of the extravagant and scandalous reign of Emperor Nero. Instead, the Flavians uplifted public life by engaging citizens in public works and spectacles, including the magnificent Colosseum.
Often symbolized as an iconic symbol of Rome’s ‘Eternal City’ nickname, the Colosseum has survived earthquakes, stone-robbers, pollution, and even a botched attempt at conversion into a wool factory! Today, it stands victorious, a testament to both the grandeur and the savagery of the Roman World—a world you can partially revisit as you enter the amphitheater.
Have you already read our article “What Colosseum Ticket Should I buy?”
As you gasp in awe at the Colosseum, there’s more than meets the eye. A trip to the Colosseum extends beyond the arches, columns, and the monstrous arena – it sneaks into the dark, damp, and mysterious depths of the Colosseum underground, or the ‘Hypogeum’ as it was known back in the day.
To understand the importance and fascination surrounding the Colosseum underground, one needs to time-travel back to Rome’s heyday. Imagine this – a bustling crowd of nearly 50,000 spectators, transfixed as gladiators fought valiantly, and wild beasts roamed the arena. It was in the belly of the Colosseum, the convoluted underground, where these spectacles came to life.
The underground was the well-oiled machine ensuring the smooth functioning of the events above ground. Elaborate pulleys, platforms, trapdoors – all ensuring a ‘wow’ moment for the eager crowd. The Colosseum Underground was the beating heart of the spectacles, pumping energy into the spectacles that defined Roman public life.
I know what you’re thinking: “Is Colosseum Underground Worth It?”
After the fantastic journey through the recesses of time, one can’t help but wonder – how incredible would it be to actually visit the Colosseum underground? To walk the walk of the gladiators? To stand where once lions and tigers were kept? To be enveloped in the aura of excitement and fear inside the narrow, winding tunnels? Fascinating, right? But wait! Is it worth it?
Let’s spin the wheel positively and look at the reasons why the underground might be a good memory of your Rome vacation!
When you walk into the Colosseum underground, you don’t just visit; you experience. You breathe in centuries of history. You witness first-hand the place that was crucial to the grandeur of the Colosseum. And believe your pal; it’s not something you witness every day!
Doesn’t matter if you’re a self-proclaimed history nerd or not, the Colosseum underground will make you feel like you’ve jumped inside your history book. Every corner, every rock, every remaining pulley—each has a story.
Excitingly, not everyone gets to visit the Colosseum underground. Access is relatively limited. Being one of those select few sure adds a dash of privilege! So if you’re one of those who like to feel “special”, you should go.
The Colosseum underground gifts you unique photo ops and memories lasting a lifetime! Simply pricing – just don’t forget to #DoItForTheGram!
Now that we’ve seen the brighter side let’s look at the nitty-gritty.
We know what you guys think. Some of you want to go there just because everyone’s talking about the Colosseum underground and because our dearest friend Rick Steves told you to go there (thanks Steve, you’ve been so helpful!).
If you’re one of those, it will be just another “I was there” you’ll say in your life.
Remember: every dazzling coin has two sides. So, before you sprint to book that coveted underground tour, here are a few tidbits you have to digest.
As you may notice by the length of cons, Rome Travel Tips locals answer the question “Is Colosseum Underground Worth It?” with a big, giant, enormous, huge, absolute NO!!!
Below you’ll find all the reasons we have to say this. Remember that these are just opinions from a local point of view.
There’s a striking distinction between what the movies portray and reality. As in, we’re talking 2000-year-old ruins and not an immaculately preserved underground city. If severely damaged tunnels and rooms filled with the echoes of the past don’t faze you, go ahead. If it’s the mint condition you’re after, though, you might be in for a disappointment.
With ticket availability being a mere 500 a day (if you think 500 tickets are enough, paint this picture on your mind: almost 20.000 visitors visit the Colosseum DAILY) you’ve got to hustle hard. Online, offline, via tour companies—be prepared for a mini-battle. You must be fast, and in some cases fast isn’t enough. You’ll be fighting against agencies’ bots who automatically purchase tickets – trust me, you can not win against a computer.
As mentioned, these are not “real” underground. They used to be. 2000 years ago. Now they’re just a remembrance of what they were. They’re open-air, you can see the sky from there!
The arena floor is located just above them – you can take a closer look from there and say “Oh, Rome Travel Tips guys were right”.
You may have heard about this one. Yes, it’s true.
Only 500 tickets are released each day, and guess what? More than 5’000 people want to go there, daily. Agencies keep availabilities open, hoping to get tickets for everyone. Do your maths, and then realize that this is impossible.
Anyway, since you’ve been so kind going on reading this until this point, we want to reward you with the tour on GetYourGuide which has a cancellation rate near 0%.
Here’s the Colosseum Underground Tour you were looking for, you’re welcome!
Rome sure isn’t kind to your pockets, and the Colosseum underground likes to follow suit. If you’re budget traveling or if you flinch at shelling out those additional Euros, consider other amazing, wallet-friendly Rome experiences.
Since you won’t manage to get those official cheap tickets and you will be forced to buy from a third-party seller, you’ll have to purchase a tour and spend a lot of money – are you sure that Colosseum Underground is Worth it?
Here’s the scoop: If you still can’t resist the call of the underground and decide to dive deep, there are a few things that can enhance your experience (Yep! You’re welcome!).
Battle the odds and secure your spot on the tour. It is not possible to buy underground tickets on spot!
Rocks, rough spaces, you name it, the Colosseum underground has it. Save your feet with some comfy shoes. Let the blisters be a thing of the past!
Remember: the Rome sun doesn’t play around. Keep hydrated, slap on some SPF, and stay cool as a cucumber. Rome can reach over 110°F during summer!
Want more advice on what to pack? Read our “How to Dress in Rome” article.
Messy summer crowds? A big NO-NO. Opt for a less crowded exploration during off-peak seasons. Take your time as you unravel the past at your own pace without being elbow-jostled by a horde. You should have no problems if you travel in November, January, and February.
Thanks for the question. If you’re not another of those trend followers and want to experience a real underground, even older than the Colosseum, then you’re headed to San Clemente.
San Clemente is just a few minutes from the Colosseum, and it has 3 (THREE!) different levels of underground.
St. Clemente is a Basilica that rises on an ancient pagan church. No, it’s not all.
The pagan church rises on even more ancient ruins of a rich ancient Roman. It looks like these ruins are older than the Colosseum.
Are you still sure that the Colosseum Underground is worth it?
Phew! Now that we’ve traipsed through the labyrinth of facts, anecdotes, tips, and experiences, let’s cut to the chase – Is the Colosseum underground worth it? The answer: it simply depends on you!
If you yearn for the authentic aura, fascinated by the bowels of history, and are ready to splurge, by all means, go ahead, my fellow adventurer. If the cons highlighted pose a potential discomfort, rethink, shuffle your plans, and remember, Rome is brimming with endless wonders waiting to be explored.
After all, Rome is about more than relics and ruins. It’s about pizza by the Pantheon, gelato by the Spanish steps, that cappuccino near the Trevi Fountain, and the hundreds of little experiences that leave a cherry-sized tingle of happiness in your heart. If your heart whispers to you to tread the path less taken, go ahead, because there’s no right or wrong way to explore Rome. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in just one day!
So, fellow voyagers, as we wrap up this hefty conversation (didn’t I tell you to prepare the spaghetti?), remember: whatever you choose, your Roman holiday will be nothing short of spectacular. Enjoy every beautiful Italian moment and seize your “la dolce vita!” Arrivederci for now— we’ll meet soon, over some Roman dream or the other.
Keep traveling, keep exploring, and always, always keep that zest for life’s adventures burning bright!
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