Colosseum Underground Tours 2026

The Colosseum underground (hypogeum) is a two-level network of tunnels, mechanical lifts and animal cages beneath the arena floor. This is where gladiators, prisoners and wild animals waited before being hoisted into the amphitheatre through 36 trap doors. The underground was hidden for nearly 2,000 years under rubble and is now the most exclusive part of the Colosseum to visit.

The arena floor tour walks you onto the reconstructed wooden platform at the centre of the amphitheatre. From here you look up at 50,000 empty seats and down through the floor grates into the underground passages below. Most underground tours include both the hypogeum and the arena floor, plus standard access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Groups are limited to 24 people and sell out well in advance.