Beneath the bustling Navona Square lies a captivating chapter of Rome’s storied past. The "Rome: Navona Square and École Française Underground Ticket" unlocks exclusive access to the ancient Olympic Stadium, offering a chance to explore its remarkable masonry and restored archaeological wonders. With insights from multilingual audio guides and evocative 3D reconstructions, visitors can enjoy the rich heritage that has shaped this iconic Roman landmark. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious to uncover the city’s hidden gems, this immersive experience promises to reveal the captivating narratives that lie beneath the surface of Navona Square.
Key Points
- Ticket prices for the tour of the ancient Olympic Stadium in Piazza Navona start from CZK 682 per person.
- The tour lasts 1.5 to 3 hours and includes an audioguide in 7 languages, but is not suitable for wheelchair users due to a 5-meter descent.
- The tour offers exclusive access to the only masonry stadium in ancient Rome, with insights into its evolution and access to unpublished photographs, 3D reconstructions, and informative panels.
- The meeting point is located at Touristation Navona in Piazza Navona, and visitors should prepare for uneven terrain and steps throughout the archaeological area.
- The tour has an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 based on 150 reviews, with mixed feedback on the value of the audio tour compared to in-person experiences.
👉 Check out our guide to the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Rome
Contents
- Key Points
- Ticket Information
- Tour Highlights
- Tour Details
- Meeting Point and Accessibility
- Customer Reviews and Ratings
- Exploring the Ancient Olympic Stadium
- Discovering Archaeological Artifacts
- Experiencing the Restored Site
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
- Do Visitors Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
- Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides the 7 Listed?
- Can the Tour Be Customized for Larger Groups?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Rome
- More Tickets in Rome
- More Tour Reviews in Rome
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Rome we have recnetly reviewed
Ticket Information
The tickets for the Navona Square and École Française Underground experience are priced from Kč682 per person.
Visitors can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour lasts between 1.5 to 3 hours and includes an audioguide available in 7 languages.
Customers don’t need to pay upfront, as they can reserve their spot and pay later.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users as it involves descending 5 meters below street level to explore the former circus.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Rome
Tour Highlights
A highlight of the Navona Square and École Française Underground tour is the exclusive access it provides to a limited number of visitors.
Participants can explore the ancient Olympic Stadium of the Roman Empire and discover artifacts from the era during archaeological excavations.
The tour also offers:
- Insights into the only masonry stadium in Ancient Rome.
- A selection of unpublished photographs, 3D reconstructions, and informative panels.
- The opportunity to descend 5 meters below street level and examine the former circus’s travertine blocks, brickwork, and marble columns.
- An understanding of the site’s evolution into Piazza Navona and its role in ancient Roman sports.
Tour Details
The tour begins by descending 5 meters below street level to explore the former circus.
Visitors can admire the travertine blocks, brickwork, and marble columns of the main entrances. The tour provides insight into the evolution of the site, from the ancient Roman sports arena to the modern-day Piazza Navona.
Recently, the archaeological area has been restored and is now open to the public. The tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the only masonry stadium in Ancient Rome, with the help of unpublished photographs, 3D reconstructions, videos, and informative panels.
Meeting Point and Accessibility
At the Touristation Navona, located right on Piazza Navona, 25, does the tour meeting point begin.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so guests with mobility challenges should consider other options.
The tour includes:
- A meeting point that’s easy to find in the heart of Piazza Navona.
- No accessibility for wheelchair users due to the underground nature of the site.
- A 5-meter descent below street level to explore the former circus.
- Visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain and steps throughout the archaeological area.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
With an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 based on 150 reviews, the Navona Square and École Française Underground Ticket experience receives mixed feedback from customers.
While some praise the informative audio tour, others feel an in-person experience would offer more value. The value for money score of 3.4/5 suggests the tour may not fully meet expectations.
However, customers highlight the ease of online booking, reasonable prices, and great customer service.
Exploring the Ancient Olympic Stadium
Descending 5 meters below the bustling streets of Navona Square, visitors embark on an immersive journey into the ancient Olympic Stadium of the Roman Empire.
The exclusive tour provides a rare glimpse into this archaeological gem, allowing guests to:
-
Explore the remnants of the only masonry stadium in ancient Rome, marveling at its intricate travertine blocks, brickwork, and marble columns.
-
Discover fascinating artifacts unearthed during ongoing excavations, offering a tangible connection to the site’s rich history.
-
Learn about the evolution of the stadium into the vibrant Piazza Navona, gaining insights into the role of sports and entertainment in the Roman Empire.
-
Experience the recently restored archaeological area, now open to the public for a firsthand encounter with this captivating piece of history.
Discovering Archaeological Artifacts
Visitors exploring the ancient Olympic Stadium of the Roman Empire beneath Navona Square are treated to a fascinating array of archaeological artifacts uncovered during ongoing excavations.
These artifacts provide a glimpse into the daily lives and activities of the Romans who frequented the stadium centuries ago. Highlights include ancient pottery shards, jewelry, and even remnants of sports equipment used by the gladiators and athletes who competed in the games.
The tour also features 3D reconstructions and informative panels that bring these ancient relics to life, allowing visitors to truly enjoy the rich history of this remarkable site.
Experiencing the Restored Site
The recently restored archaeological area beneath Navona Square offers visitors an immersive experience.
Descending 5 meters below street level, guests can explore the former circus and learn about its evolution into the iconic Piazza Navona.
The tour highlights include:
- Examining the travertine blocks, brickwork, and marble columns of the main entrances.
- Discovering artifacts from the Roman Empire uncovered during archaeological excavations.
- Experiencing the only masonry stadium in Ancient Rome through 3D reconstructions and informative panels.
- Gaining a deeper understanding of the site’s rich history and its role in ancient Roman sports and entertainment.
This exclusive tour with a limited number of visitors provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and appreciate the restored archaeological wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is allowed during the tour. Visitors can take photos to document their experience and capture the ancient artifacts and architectural features within the underground excavation site.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though young children may require parental supervision. Visitors of any age can enjoy exploring the ancient Olympic Stadium and Roman artifacts.
Do Visitors Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
Visitors don’t need any special equipment for this tour. The tour provides an audioguide in 7 languages, and the meeting point is accessible by foot. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the archaeological site.
Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides the 7 Listed?
The tour does not offer audio guides in any languages besides the 7 listed: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Additional language options are not available for this particular tour.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Larger Groups?
The tour can accommodate larger groups, but customization options may be limited. Customers should inquire about group sizes and any special arrangements when booking to ensure the tour meets their needs.
Rome: Navona Square and École Française Underground Ticket
“Vi havde valgt audioguide og fik en del at vide, interessant, men også lidt kedelig formidling.”
Recap
The "Rome: Navona Square and École Française Underground Ticket" offers a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating history beneath Navona Square. Visitors can enjoy the ancient Olympic Stadium, learn about its rich heritage, and discover the archaeological treasures that lie beneath the surface. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious, this tour provides an exclusive and enlightening experience in the heart of Rome.
You can check availability for your dates here:
