The underground of the Colosseum — the hypogeum — is the most spectacular part of the monument and the hardest to get into. It is a two-level maze of corridors, animal pens and lift shafts where gladiators and wild beasts waited before being hoisted into the arena. Standard tickets do not include it. Here is how to get in.
Colosseum underground tours available now
What you see in the Colosseum underground
The hypogeum was added under Emperor Domitian, after the amphitheatre opened in 80 AD. Once it was built, the famous naval battles were no longer possible — but the shows became far more theatrical. Highlights of the visit:
- The service corridors where gladiators and animal handlers prepared, under a wooden arena floor covered in sand (harena, hence the word « arena »).
- The lift shafts: around 80 vertical shafts with capstan-operated lifts that could raise animals and scenery straight into the arena. A full-size reconstruction shows how they worked.
- The arena floor: a partial modern floor lets you stand where the fighters stood and look up at the tiers that once held around 50,000 spectators.
- The connection to the Ludus Magnus, the gladiator training school next door, via an underground tunnel (visible, not walkable).
Read also: Colosseum history
Official ticket vs guided underground tour
| Official Full Experience | Guided underground tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €24 | from ~€70–90 |
| Availability | 30 days ahead, sells out in minutes | Separate allocation, often bookable later |
| Guide | Accompanied by staff, limited commentary | Licensed guide throughout |
| Forum & Palatine | Included (self-guided) | Usually included, often guided |
| Cancellation | Non-refundable | Often free up to 24 h |
- ✔ Pros
- The most memorable part of the Colosseum
- Smaller groups than standard visits
- Arena floor included
- Great for kids who love gladiators
- ✘ Cons
- Sells out weeks ahead
- More expensive than the standard ticket
- Stairs and uneven floors — limited accessibility
Colosseum underground, arena & Roman Forum guided tour
Our pick- Duration: ~3 h
- Price: from ~€70–90
- Includes: hypogeum, arena, tiers, Forum & Palatine
- Cancellation: usually free up to 24 h
The complete package: you start below ground, emerge onto the arena floor, climb to the tiers and finish in the Forum. Check that the listing says « underground » or « hypogeum » — not just « arena ».
Underground at night
For atmosphere- Season: selected evenings
- Duration: ~2 h
- Price: from ~€90
Some evening tours include the underground: cooler, quieter and unforgettable. See our Colosseum night tour guide.
How to get official underground tickets
- Go to the official ticketing site exactly 30 days before your date, in the morning (Rome time).
- Choose « Full Experience – Underground & Arena » and your time slot; the Forum/Palatine entry is included.
- Enter each visitor’s full name: tickets are personal and ID can be checked.
- No slot? Do not wait for cancellations — book a guided underground tour instead. Our Colosseum tickets guide explains every option.
Quick quiz: test yourself before you go
1/3 What is the Colosseum underground called?
The hypogeum is the underground network; the vomitoria were exits and the velarium was the awning.
2/3 Which emperor added the underground?
The hypogeum was built under Domitian, after the inauguration by Titus in 80 AD.
3/3 Does the standard €18 ticket include the underground?
No — you need the €24 Full Experience or a guided underground tour.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Colosseum underground tour worth it?
Yes, if you have time for only one special experience in Rome. The hypogeum and arena floor show how the shows actually worked and are far less crowded than the main tiers.
How do I get Colosseum underground tickets?
Book the official Full Experience ticket 30 days ahead, or a guided underground tour on GetYourGuide when official slots are sold out.
How long is the Colosseum underground tour?
About 1 hour for the underground and arena, 2.5–3 hours if the tour continues to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Is the Colosseum underground accessible?
Only partly: there are stairs and uneven surfaces. Visitors with reduced mobility should contact the operator before booking.
Can children visit the underground?
Yes. Under-18s enter free on official tickets but still need a reserved slot; tour operators set their own child prices.
Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links to GetYourGuide. If you book through them we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and were checked in October 2026 — the live price on the booking page always prevails.