Explore the Newly Opened Passage of Commodus at the Colosseum

For the first time in nearly 2,000 years, the Colosseum Archaeological Park in Rome has opened the Passage of Commodus to the public. This hidden underground corridor, once reserved exclusively for the emperor, connects the pulvinar — the imperial box where Rome’s elite watched gladiatorial games — with the exterior of the amphitheatre.

Named after Emperor Commodus (180–192 AD), the passage’s association with him comes from historical accounts of an assassination attempt he survived in a shadowy part of the Colosseum. While the link is not certain, the name endures, evoking the emperor famous for his participation in gladiatorial combat and his love of the arena.

A Secret Corridor of Imperial Power

The Passage of Commodus is a vaulted, partially illuminated, and ventilated tunnel situated at the southern end of the Colosseum’s shorter axis. It was not part of the original construction of the amphitheatre, but excavated later between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, by cutting into the foundations of the Flavian Amphitheatre. The curved “S-shaped” corridor, measuring about 55 meters, once allowed the emperor to enter and exit unseen, preserving his safety and the aura of divine authority.

After nearly two millennia of closure, the corridor is now accessible to visitors, offering a rare glimpse into the private world of Roman emperors. Few knew that beneath the arena, a secret passage existed, designed to allow the emperor to move unseen while watching or participating in the games.

Restored Splendor and Historical Details

The meticulous restoration, completed in September 2025, has returned full visibility to the ancient surfaces. Visitors can now admire:

• Marble-clad walls, where traces of the original metal clamps are still visible, later replaced by painted plasters with landscape scenes.
• Stuccoes and frescoes on the vaulted ceiling depicting mythological stories from the Dionysus and Ariadne myth.
• Decorations in the entrance niches illustrating arena spectacles, such as boar hunts, bear fights, acrobatic performances, and clever tricks with animals emerging from hidden doors.

A tactile map and a digital reconstruction video accompany the visit, allowing guests to fully understand and immerse themselves in the imperial experience.

At the entrance, a modern elevating platform overlays six 19th-century steps, enabling visitors with limited mobility to navigate the corridor comfortably.

Commodus: Emperor and Gladiator

Ironically, the tunnel bears the name of Commodus, one of Rome’s most eccentric and controversial emperors. The son of Marcus Aurelius, he abandoned the sober traditions of his predecessors and took part personally in gladiatorial combats. He reportedly killed five hippos, two elephants, and even decapitated an ostrich in the Colosseum. Despite the security the passage offered, Commodus could not escape fate; in 192 AD, he was assassinated by poison and strangulation in a conspiracy that ended his reign and marked a turbulent period for the Empire.

Visitor Information: How to See the Passage

• Opening date: October 27, 2025
• Days of the week: Mondays and Wednesdays
• Opening hours: 13:00–16:00
• Guided educational tours:
  • Spanish at 13:00
  • Italian at 14:00
  • English at 15:00

Visitors can now walk in the footsteps of an emperor, moving from the shadows of the tunnel to the light of the arena, where life and death of gladiators and wild animals unfolded before Rome’s citizens. A second phase of restoration in 2026 will recover the portion of the tunnel that extends beyond the Colosseum, preserving about a third of the original passage.

Why It’s a Must-See

The opening of the Passage of Commodus represents a milestone in the conservation of Roman heritage. For travelers seeking unique Rome guided experiences, this hidden corridor adds unprecedented depth to any Colosseum tour, allowing guests to explore spaces that were previously reserved for imperial eyes only.

Whether you are fascinated by Roman history, imperial power, or the brutal spectacle of the arena, the Passage of Commodus offers an extraordinary, immersive experience — a perfect addition to any itinerary of Rome, making Colosseum tours in 2025 more exclusive and unforgettable than ever.

Discover the Colosseum with Kirba Tours

The Passage of Commodus has just opened to the public, offering a fascinating glimpse into the private world of Roman emperors. While access to the passage is part of the Colosseum Archaeological Park’s guided tours, Kirba Tours provides expert guided tours of the Colosseum, where you can explore the arena, underground areas, and learn the thrilling stories of gladiators, emperors, and ancient Roman life.

With Kirba Tours, you will:

• Experience the Colosseum with knowledgeable guides in English, Italian, or Spanish
• Learn the history behind the gladiatorial games and imperial power
• Discover hidden details of the amphitheatre’s architecture and restoration efforts
• Enjoy an immersive journey through one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks

Book your Colosseum tour today and step into the history of ancient Rome!