Book Colosseum Arena Tickets | Explore the Combat Stage of Gladiators
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
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
Skip the Line Guided Tour
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
- These guided tours allow you skip-the-line access to the Emporer's Box and Arena of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- The skip-the-line access will ensure that you don't have to waste time standing in long lines. You can simply skip past the queue and enter the ancient amphitheater.
- Your expert guide gives you an overview of the history and culture of Rome while delving into stories about the Colosseum during its hay days.
- The tour is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
Cancelation Policy
You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Colosseum Skip the Line Tickets
Night Tour
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
- During this after-dark tour of Rome's massive amphitheater, you will get to explore the first and second tiers of the Colosseum.
- You will also gain entry to the restricted areas of the Colosseum such as the Arena floor.
- You also get to explore the Roman Forum.
- Going on this tour ensures that you get to enjoy a quiet, crowd-free experience.
- The small group size will ensure that you don't miss out on all the intriguing stories about the Colosseum's glory days that the guide will share.
Cancelation Policy
You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Colosseum Night ToursWhat 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?
Below the Arena of the Colosseum you will find a complex system of underground passageways called the Hypogeum. This area is made of two levels of connected corridors and tunnels that connects to the main stage.
During events and performances, the underground area would be abuzz with activity, with animals like elephants, giraffes, lions and panthers that had been imported from Africa and Middle East, props, and people who would be fighting waiting here, before they had to make their way to the Arena floor for their combat.
Book Colosseum Underground ToursWhat 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
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.
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.
A. Colosseum tickets with Arena access can be purchased online.
A. Colosseum Arena ticket prices start at €49.
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.
No. Standard tickets do not include access to the Colosseum Arena. You will have to purchase tickets that specify entry to the Arena.
A. Yes. Your Colosseum Arena tour includes skip-the-line access
A. Your Colosseum Arena tour includes skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
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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