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What is the Colosseum Arena?

The Colosseum Arena was a wooden floor covered by sand that covered the Colosseum underground. The Arena floor was the stage for the horrific gladiator combats and other events that were held at the Colosseum.

Your Colosseum Arena Tour Options

Arena Floor Special Access Tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Guided Tour
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Colosseum by Night: Guided Tour with Access to the Arena Floor
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
2 hr. - 2 hr. 30 min.
Guided Tour
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Small Group Guided Tour of Colosseum, Arena Floor & Roman Forum
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
2 hr.
Guided Tour
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Combo (Save 15%): Colosseum 1.5 Hours Express Guided Tour + Roma World Tickets
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Guided Tour
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Guided Tour of the Colosseum Underground with Roman Forum & Gladiator Arena
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
2 hr. 30 min. - 3 hr.
Guided Tour
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Skip-the-Line Tickets to the Colosseum with a Virtual Reality Experience
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
2 hr.
Audio Guide
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Why Visit The Colosseum Arena?

  • Experience a unique side of the Colosseum: The arena floor, streaked with the blood of gladiators and ferocious animals who fought till death for the entertainment of the affluent and the proletariat, is the focal point of the Colosseum.
  • Get an insight into Roman history and culture: On this tour, you will get to hear eerie and enthralling tales and facts about the Arena’s construction and restoration, the bloody fights, and more, giving you an insight into ancient Roman culture.
  • Enjoy a 360-degree view of the Colosseum: While on this tour, you get to walk through one of the Gladiator gates onto the floor where combats took place. This allows you experience the moment of entering the Colosseum as a gladiator would. As you stand on the Arena floor you can catch a 360-degree view of the amphitheater.

Your Colosseum Area Tickets Explained

Colosseum Arena Tour
Colosseum Arena Tour

What to See On the Colosseum Arena Floor?

Out of the 80 entrances of the Colosseum, 76 were reserved for the general public. The remaining 4 were known as the Grand Entrances, namely, the North Gate, the South Gate, the Gate of Life, and the Gate of Death.

During the Gladiator games, the gladiators entered the arena through the Gate of Life and if they survived, exited through it. Those who were wounded or killed were taken out of the stadium through the Gate of Death. You enter the Colosseum through the Gate of Life, which is today dubbed the "Gladiator's Gate", allowing you to experience what it might have been like to enter the amphitheater packed with spectators.

Standing on the reconstructed Arena floor allows you to enjoy a 360-degree view of the Colosseum. From here, you will also be able to view the reconstructed trap door through which animals and slaves were brought onto the arena, as well as the Hypogeum, a complex underground system.

What's Under The Colosseum Arena?

Colosseum Arena Tour

What Was the Colosseum Arena Used For?

The term arena comes from the Latin word harena, which means "sand, sand-strewn place of combat", which is exactly what the Colosseum Arena is. A floor covered by sand, the Arena served as a stage for combat. Here, gladiators and exotic animals engaged in mortal combat for the entertainment of the Romans. It was only 325 CE that this practice ended because Constantine believed in civil and domestic peace.

It is also believed that the arena floor used to be intentionally flooded so that they could stage mock naval battles. In fact, with the help of complex machines, ramps, and props, they used to set the stage for various scripted spectacles.

The battle floor is connected to the Ludi, a school where the best gladiators were taught to fight. Today, one such school, the Ludus Magnus, stands. It is located a short walk from the Colosseum.

Visitor Tips

  • Not all Colosseum tickets will allow you to enter the Arena floor. Make sure you check the tickets carefully at the time of booking.
  • While the Arena floor is not open to the general public, it is a popular attraction, so make sure you book your tickets in advance.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as there will be a lot of walking involved.
  • Avoid bringing large suitcases as they will not be allowed inside the Colosseum.
  • While the Arena access is exclusive for those who purchase the ticket, the best time to visit the Arena is during the early hours or after 3 pm if you want to avoid the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colosseum Arena Tickets

What is the Colosseum Arena?

A. The Colosseum Arena was a stage covered with sand that acted as a stage of combat for the gladiators and exotic animals. It is said that the stage was used occasionally for mock naval battles. As Romans occupied the 80,000-seat stadium gladiators fought each other to death for their freedom.

Q. Can you visit the arena of the Colosseum?

A. Yes, you can visit the Colosseum Arena floor. You, however, have to purchase Colosseum tickets that provide access to the Arena to be able to enter the area.

Q. Where can one buy Colosseum tickets with access to the Arena?

A. Colosseum tickets with Arena access can be purchased online.

Q. How much does Colosseum Arena tickets cost?

A. Colosseum Arena ticket prices start at €49.

Q. Who can enter the Colosseum Arena?

A. Only those who have purchased tickets that include a guided tour of the Colosseum Arena can enter. Without a licensed tour guide, visitors are not allowed entry into the Colosseum Arena.

Q. Do all Colosseum tickets include access to the Arena floor?

No. Standard tickets do not include access to the Colosseum Arena. You will have to purchase tickets that specify entry to the Arena.

Q. Does my Colosseum Arena tour include skip-the-line access?

A. Yes. Your Colosseum Arena tour includes skip-the-line access

Q. What does my Colosseum Arena tour include?

A. Your Colosseum Arena tour includes skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Q. What is the cancelation policy for Colosseum Arena tours?

A. Most Colosseum Arena tours allow you to cancel up to 48 hours in advance to get a full refund. Ensure that you check for the cancelation policy beforehand.

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