The Colosseum is undoubtedly one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and the opportunity to explore its restricted areas and dungeons offers a truly unique and immersive experience. This small group tour provides priority access to the monument’s lesser-known underground levels, allowing visitors to explore the ancient Roman’s fascinating past. With the use of audio headsets and a maximum group size of 25, travelers can expect a personalized and informative journey through the Colosseum’s most exclusive spaces, uncovering the stories and secrets that lie beneath the surface of this legendary structure.
Key Points

- This small group tour provides priority access to the Colosseum’s underground levels and restricted areas.
- The tour explores the lesser-known areas of the iconic monument through audio headsets.
- The group size is limited to a maximum of 25 travelers for a personalized experience.
- Admission fees to the Colosseum, arena, and underground areas are included in the tour.
- The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness and operates in all weather conditions.
Tour Overview

The Colosseum Restricted Areas and Dungeons Small Group Tour provides visitors with priority access to the iconic monument’s underground levels, allowing them to explore the lesser-known areas through the use of audio headsets.
This tour is limited to a maximum of 25 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the Colosseum’s arena and underground sections, gaining exclusive access to the restricted areas.
The tour includes admission fees to the Colosseum, including the arena and underground areas if the option is selected. With a moderate level of physical fitness required, this tour operates in all weather conditions, offering a unique and immersive look into the history of the Colosseum.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rome.
Meeting and Pickup Details
After exploring the tour’s overview, visitors can meet the group at the Basilica of Santi Cosma and Damiano on Via dei Fori Imperiali, which serves as the designated meeting point for this Colosseum Restricted Areas and Dungeons Small Group Tour.
From there, the tour will end at the Colosseum’s Piazza del Colosseo.
This small group tour, limited to a maximum of 25 travelers, provides priority access to the Colosseum’s underground levels and restricted areas.
Guests will use audio headsets throughout the experience, ensuring they can fully enjoy the tour’s insights and commentary.
Whether starting from the Colosseum or the Roman Forum, this tour promises a comprehensive exploration of the Eternal City’s underground marvels.
Tour Logistics

This small group tour of the Colosseum’s restricted areas and dungeons requires a moderate level of physical fitness, as it operates in all weather conditions.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it’s located near public transportation.
Visitors must present valid identification for entry, and the tour may start from either the Colosseum or the Roman Forum, depending on the day’s schedule.
In the event that the underground areas are closed due to weather, the tour will cover the arena and other restricted sections of the iconic landmark.
Prohibited items include pets, weapons, large luggage, smoking, alcohol/drugs, sprays, glassware, unaccompanied minors, and electric wheelchairs.
Additional Information

Valid identification is mandatory for entry to the Colosseum restricted areas and dungeons tour. Full names of all participants must be provided during the booking process.
The tour may start from either the Colosseum or the Roman Forum, depending on the daily schedule. On top of that, should the underground areas become inaccessible due to inclement weather, the tour will instead cover the arena and other restricted sections of the iconic landmark.
The following items are strictly prohibited during the tour:
- Pets
- Weapons
- Large luggage
- Smoking, alcohol, drugs, sprays, and glassware
Unaccompanied minors and electric wheelchairs are also not permitted on this tour.
Tour Duration and Pricing

The tour duration varies seasonally, with summer tours typically lasting approximately 2 hours due to the heat. Entrance fees for the archaeological sites start at 17 EUR for adults, increasing to 23 EUR for the arena option, plus a 2 EUR booking fee. Gratuities for the tour guide are not included in the tour price.
| Entrance Fee | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Colosseum Arena | €23 | €18 |
| Restricted Areas | €17 | €15 |
| Booking Fee | €2 | €2 |
The tour provides priority access to the Colosseum’s underground levels and restricted areas, along with the use of audio headsets to enhance the experience.
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Exploring the Colosseum’s Restricted Areas
One of the highlights of the Colosseum tour is the opportunity to explore the restricted areas, which allow visitors to venture beneath the iconic arena floor and explore the underground passages and chambers that were once used by gladiators, wild animals, and the production crews responsible for staging the spectacular events.
Visitors can descend into the Colosseum’s underbelly and discover:
- The underground tunnels and cages where gladiators and animals were held before being dramatically revealed to the audience above.
- The intricate network of lifts and pulleys that were used to transport performers and props onto the arena floor.
- The maintenance rooms and workshops where the technical aspects of the events were managed.
Visitors can also enjoy the stunning views of the Colosseum’s internal structure from the restricted areas.

Descending into the Colosseum’s labyrinthine dungeons, visitors can expect to uncover the intricate backstage operations that once brought the spectacles above to life.
These subterranean passageways and chambers housed the infrastructure essential for staging the iconic events, from the hidden lifts that dramatically delivered gladiators and wild animals to the arena floor, to the workshops where the technical elements were meticulously managed.
Meandering through these restricted areas, guests can visualize the bustling activity that once transpired out of sight, transporting them back in time to witness the hidden logistical feats that enabled the Colosseum’s legendary performances.
This exclusive access offers a rare glimpse into the operational heart of this ancient Roman marvel.
Enhancing the Visitor Experience
By offering priority access to the Colosseum’s restricted areas and underground levels, this small group tour enhances the visitor experience, providing an immersive glimpse into the ancient Roman marvel’s hidden operational heart.
Through the use of audio headsets, travelers can vividly envision the bustling backstage activities that once enabled the Colosseum’s legendary performances, transporting them back in time to witness the intricate logistical feats that occurred out of sight.
This tour delivers:
- Exclusive access to the Colosseum’s underground levels and restricted areas.
- Audio headsets that enrich the exploration with captivating historical narratives.
- A small group size of 25 or fewer travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.
- Admission to the Colosseum arena, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Bring on the Tour?
When going on a tour, it’s important to bring necessary items like a valid ID, comfortable walking shoes, a water bottle, and any required medications. Avoid bringing prohibited items like pets, weapons, or large luggage.
How Crowded Is the Tour Typically?
The tour group size is typically small, with a maximum of 25 travelers. This helps ensure a more personalized experience and allows for easier navigation through the popular, often crowded Colosseum and restricted areas.
Can I Take Photos Inside the Restricted Areas?
Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the Colosseum’s restricted areas, including the underground levels and arena. However, they should avoid using flash or tripods, which can disturb the experience for other guests.
Is There an Age Limit for the Tour?
There’s no specified age limit for the tour, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour may not be suitable for young kids due to the duration and physical activity involved.
Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?
There aren’t any standard discounts for this tour, but children under 18 and seniors over 65 may qualify for reduced admission rates to the Colosseum and Roman Forum sites included in the tour.
Recap
The Colosseum Restricted Areas and Dungeons Small Group Tour offers an exclusive, immersive experience, granting access to the iconic monument’s lesser-known underground levels and restricted areas.
With priority entry, audio headsets, and a personalized group size, this tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the Colosseum’s history and architecture, catering to travelers seeking an in-depth, enhanced understanding of this renowned ancient Roman landmark.
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