Colosseum Evening Guided Tour with Arena Access

The Colosseum at sunset: a timeless experience

Imagine witnessing one of the world's most iconic landmarks bathed in the golden hues of sunset. Explore the Colosseum's levels under the dramatic glow of the setting sun, and witness the amphitheater's majestic arches and columns cast long, dramatic shadows against the vibrant sky, creating a truly magical atmosphere. The best part? Your tour takes place towards the end of the day and that means fewer people around!

Indulge in immersive storytelling

Step back in time and walk in the footsteps of gladiators as you explore the Colosseum's arena floor. Your expert guide will lead you and a small group of 25 or fewer through exclusive areas, sharing fascinating stories and historical facts about the Colosseum's past. Stand on the Arena stage, a place once reserved for the Roman nobility, and imagine the thrilling spectacles that took place centuries ago. With audio headsets provided for groups larger than 10, you won't miss a single detail of your immersive experience. Discover the hidden secrets of the Colosseum, including its surprising connection to the cruel emperor Nero's extravagant palace.

Colosseum Evening Guided Tour with Arena Access

Discover the Colosseum, an iconic landmark of ancient Rome, on this evening guided tour that includes exclusive arena access and audio headsets for up to 25 guests in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Chinese. The tour covers approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, providing a comprehensive look at the Colosseum's history and architecture. Built between AD 70-80 under Emperor Vespasian and completed by his son Titus in AD 80, this elliptical amphitheater measures about 620 feet long, 513 feet wide, and stands approximately 159 feet tall. The Colosseum has a seating capacity of around 50,000 spectators, making it one of the largest structures ever built in the Roman Empire. During your visit, you will explore four levels of the amphitheater, walk through various passageways and staircases that were once used by gladiators and emperors alike, and learn about the intricate mechanisms used to stage elaborate shows involving animals and machinery. The tour also includes a view from the top level, offering panoramic views over Rome's historic center.

Explore the Colosseum Arena

Your tour stops at the Colosseum Arena where you can walk on the very ground where gladiators once fought centuries ago. Built in AD 80 under Emperor Titus, this arena is a vast space measuring approximately 281 feet long and 179 feet wide. The floor of the arena was originally covered with wooden planks and sand to absorb blood, hence the term "arena" derived from the Latin word for sand (harena). During your visit, you will see remnants of the hypogeum, a network of underground tunnels and chambers where animals were kept before being brought up to fight in the arena. You will also explore the subterranean passageways that connected the arena to the nearby Ludus Magnus gladiatorial training school. This unique feature allows you to experience firsthand how the Colosseum functioned as a complex machine, with intricate pulleys and lifts used to bring animals and scenery into the arena for shows. The tour includes approximately 30 minutes of exploration in this area, allowing you to imagine yourself as an ancient Roman noble witnessing the spectacle.

Discover Nero's Domus Aurea

The Colosseum was built on the site of a former artificial lake that once belonged to Emperor Nero's extravagant palace, known as the Domus Aurea. Constructed between AD 64 and 68, this lavish complex covered an area of around 120 acres. The centerpiece of Nero's palace was the Golden House, which featured elaborate frescoes, gilded rooms, and even a rotating dining room that would turn to follow the sun as guests dined. Today, visitors can explore some parts of the Domus Aurea through guided tours or by visiting its modern museum located near the Palatine Hill. The tour includes information about how Nero's construction projects affected Roman society and why his palace was eventually demolished after his death.

Tour Highlights

• Experience the Colosseum as the sun sets
• Walk where gladiators once walked in the Arena
• Audio headsets for enhanced commentary with up to 25 guests
• View panoramic Rome from the top level of the Colosseum
• Explore Nero's Domus Aurea, built AD 64-68
• Discover the hypogeum and underground tunnels beneath the arena
• Learn about the intricate pulleys and lifts used in ancient shows

Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and travelers looking to explore Rome's rich heritage, this evening guided tour provides an immersive experience of Roman landmarks. The 1 hour and 30 minute format allows you to walk through the Colosseum Arena, view panoramic Rome from its top level, and learn about Nero's Domus Aurea, giving you a deeper understanding of ancient Rome while enjoying exclusive access.