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Can I See Colosseum Attic/Underground Together?

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Hello! After many unsuccessful attempts to get Colosseum Underground tickets, I switched to the Attic and managed to get those in my cart, so I purchased them as a backup. Then, on my very next attempt, I somehow managed to get Underground tickets (the individual ticket option, not the guided tour)!

Now I have for 2 adults/2children: Attic tickets at 11:50 AM and Underground tickets at 12:15 PM

Has anyone successfully done both on the same day with only 30 minutes between entry times? Is it possible to go directly from the Attic to the Underground entry point without exiting and going back through security?

I've read conflicting reports—some people say guards allowed them to stay inside, while others say everyone must exit and re-enter. I also can't tell if the entry point is different for the underground tour vs. the non-tour option so unsure if it would make a difference.

We're definitely prioritizing the Underground ticket since that's what the kids are most excited about, but it would be amazing if we could make both work. Any recent experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Posted by
174 posts

I am not sure what you mean by “Underground tickets (the individual ticket option, not the guided tour)”.
Access to the Colosseum’s underground area (the Hypogeum) is restricted and must be done as part of an official guided visit. Visitors cannot enter the underground independently, even if they have a “Full Experience” ticket.

Once the underground tour ends, you can usually continue exploring the regular Colosseum areas that are included with your ticket on your own. However, you cannot remain in or return to the underground section without the guide.

I do not know the answer to your timing question, but it might be a rush to get from the Attic to the start of the Underground tour in 25 minutes.

I have visited both the Attic and the Underground and I enjoyed the Attic so much more…the views from the 5th level are amazing
You can see the majority of the Underground from the first level on a regular Coloseum entrance ticket.

Posted by
18233 posts

I can't answer the question about timing but I do believe they sell a ticket for the underground that isn't a tour with a guide per se, more of an escorted walk-through. It sounds like that's what you purchased. As mentioned, you won't be walking about down there on your own, and likely will be moved right along.

While I've not done the underground, I agree that you can see down into a fair amount of it from points above, and other posters who've done the attic have had very positive things to say about that piece so if I had to choose, I'd skip the underground.

Posted by
174 posts

Kate…you are correct. There are 2 different ways to buy tickets that allow access to the Underground.

  1. The official “Guided tour of the Underground” which includes access to the Arena floor, Colosseum interior, licensed guide for the Underground, and usually Roman Forum and Palatine Hill access as well, and…
  2. The “Full Experience–Underground Levels & Arena ticket” which includes Underground (hypogeum) access, Arena floor access, Colosseum levels 1 and 2, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Imperial Forum, and is for 2 consecutive days for the archaeological areas.

The Underground portion is always visited with an authorized guide or educational guide service. Even when you purchase the official “Full Experience–Underground Levels & Arena” ticket, the Underground access is tied to a guided component.

At least this is the way I currently understand what is offered…I am happy to be corrected if this is not correct.

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