I read recently that the area underneath the Colosseum
in Rome has been excavated and may be open soon for tours. Does anyone know any details about this?
Posted by
Saint Helens, OR, USA
304 posts
It is open. There is a great blog called "Revealed Rome" from an English speaking tour guide, with an article about the underground Colosseum tour. http://www.revealedrome.com/2010/10/underground-at-the-colosseum-how-do-you-get-there.html#more
Posted by
Lubbock, Texas
89 posts
The underground and very top level opened for tourists with guides who work as archeologists at the site last fall. The tour opportunity was open for about 30 days. My husband and I took the tour on November 2, 2010. There were only 7 of us with a great guide. I think news was just getting out about the opportunity at that time. We saw the areas where caged animals were kept, the aqueduct where water was piped in to float ships in the colosseum and the fittings for the contraptions that lifted the animals from underground onto the stage. It was nothing short of amazing. The top level was also fabulous as the view over the Roman Forum was sensational. I read recently that there are plans to open the underground again in the spring or summer. I suggest you goggle underground colosseum for further info. That is what I did after seeing a story on ABC last fall. I found a site for buying tickets when I did the search. I picked the tickets up at the group tour desk inside the colosseum. If I can find the site info in my notes, I'll post it here.
Posted by
Lubbock, Texas
89 posts
Ray posted the site I used. Glad to see it's open.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
The underground is not open right now but, hopefully, will open in the spring or summer. They didn't announce the last opening until a month or so before hand so we'll all just have to wait. It was very popular this past fall so there is really no reason for them not to open up the tour unless there is some damage that occurs between now and then. Donna
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
If tours are resumed in the spring, you can make a reservation by calling 39-06-3996-7700 (same number as regular Colosseum reservations). It took only about 3 minutes to complete my reservation for a November tour. Be sure to take careful note of your reservation number, as you will need it when you pick up your Colosseum tickets and tour stickers. The tour was outstanding, and I would highly recommend taking it if you have the opportunity.