This guided tour of the Colosseum, with special access to the Gladiator’s Gate and the Arena floor, begins with an introduction to the building’s exterior and the surrounding ancient city. As you stand in the centre of the Roman Empire, your guide will describe the construction and importance of the Arch of Constantine, one of the many triumphal arches in Rome. You will learn about the ruins of the magnificent imperial palaces that can been seen on the Palatine Hill, as well as the Roman Forum that was the political, financial, and religious centre of the ancient empire. All elegantly combine to set the scene for the construction of the Colosseum. You will skip the line and enter the Colosseum directly. As you walk through the historical Gladiator’s Gate you will arrive directly onto the Arena floor which we are sure will take your breath away.

Exclusive access

You will follow in the footsteps of the gladiators as you enter the Colosseum through the Gladiator’s Gate, which is also known as the Gate of Death, through which the corpses of defeated gladiators, executed criminals, and unfortunate wild animals would be dragged. You will then walk directly onto the partially reconstructed Colosseum arena floor. As your guide describes the bloody scenes that took place on this stage, you can see what remains of the senator’s seat and the emperor’s imperial box, from where he would signal the fate of the awaiting gladiators. Before leaving the arena, take a peek over the wooden railing to the exposed underground chambers. During any given battle, there would be a frenzy of activity taking place below the arena floor. To the surprise of the crowd, and to the horror of the gladiators, trap doors would open and wild animals would be released onto the stage.

Colosseum

As the tour of the Colosseum continues, you will stroll through the spacious corridors with your guide and explore what remains of this impressive structure – you may even catch a glimpse of faded ancient graffiti! Your guide will describe what happened to the building after the fall of the Roman Empire and how, if not for the Church, it may not be standing at all. Once the tour has finished, you will be left with a new appreciation of the Colosseum and a deeper understanding of what it meant to both the Roman Empire and the Roman citizens.

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Once the tour of the Colosseum is complete you will then have another wonderful tour of the ruins of the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. Here you will see the remains of the imperial, civic and political life in Ancient Rome.