ancient rome colosseum virtual tour

Virtual Tour

Enjoy this free virtual tour of the Colosseum to get a glimpse of the magnificent monument. This 360 Colosseum view captures the Colosseum’s grand dimensions and elegant architecture. For a free Colosseum tour from the convenience of your own home, watch the Colosseum video below!

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A Virtual Tour of Ancient Rome, Circa 320 CE: Explore Stunning Recreations of The Forum, Colosseum and Other Monuments

in Architecture , History , Technology | August 5th, 2020 4 Comments

If you’re a reg­u­lar read­er of this site, you’re like­ly famil­iar with the sim­u­la­tion hypoth­e­sis , the idea that con­scious expe­ri­ence is noth­ing more than a com­put­er pro­gram. This con­cept has many sci-fi impli­ca­tions, from Matrix -like sce­nar­ios to the rad­i­cal idea that every­thing in the uni­verse is soft­ware, run by incom­pre­hen­si­ble beings who might as well be gods. One of the more plau­si­ble ver­sions sug­gests that we are liv­ing in an “ances­tor sim­u­la­tion,” designed by future human soci­eties to recre­ate their past.

Pre­sum­ably, sim­u­lat­ed ances­tors would cre­ate their own ances­tor sim­u­la­tions and so on, ad infini­tum . There’s no way to know where on the con­tin­u­um we fall, but wher­ev­er it is, ances­tor sim­u­la­tions are on the way… maybe. They’re rudi­men­ta­ry at the moment, con­sist­ing of immer­sive video games and VR recre­ations of ancient cities.

Each iter­a­tion, how­ev­er, is bet­ter than the last, as we have seen in the case of Rome Reborn (or Rome Reborn®), a 3D dig­i­tal mod­el­ing project designed to recre­ate the city’s archi­tec­ture as it was in 320 CE, through expert ren­der­ings informed by archi­tec­tur­al his­to­ri­ans and “vir­tu­al archae­ol­o­gists” like Dr. Bernard Frisch­er , pro­fes­sor emer­i­tus at the Uni­ver­si­ty of Vir­ginia .

Back in a 2012 Open Cul­ture post , Matthias Rasch­er explained the sig­nif­i­cance of this year, “when Rome’s pop­u­la­tion had reached its peak (about one mil­lion) and the first Chris­t­ian church­es were being built.” His­to­ri­ans will also rec­og­nize 320 as fol­low­ing direct­ly on the heels of the Dona­tion of Con­stan­tine that gave the city to the Pope. We can tour the vir­tu­al streets of this rapid­ly chang­ing ancient city, though the bur­geon­ing pop­u­la­tion is nowhere in evi­dence. Noth­ing moves, grows, or changes in Rome Reborn. In that sense it is still like so many pre­vi­ous rep­re­sen­ta­tions of antiq­ui­ty.

Now in ver­sion 3.0, Rome Reborn began as a 3D mod­el in 2007, and was first owned by the Regents of the Uni­ver­si­ty of Cal­i­for­nia. It now oper­ates, under the aus­pices of the Uni­ver­si­ty of Vir­ginia, as a pri­vate com­pa­ny called Fly­over Zone. They have oth­er such dig­i­tal recre­ations in their prod­uct line, includ­ing “Athens Reborn ® , Hadri­an’s Vil­la Reborn ® , Baal­bek Reborn ® , Egypt Reborn ® , and His­tor­i­cal Games ® .” Rome Reborn’s design­er, Dani­la Logi­nov, has released increas­ing­ly detailed pro­mos of the project over the years, and you can see these many videos here.

To ful­ly expe­ri­ence this sim­u­lat­ed Rome, you’ll need a Vir­tu­al Real­i­ty head­set. The third ver­sion of the 3D mod­el has been made pub­licly avail­able. “You can immerse your­self in the ancient city and even enter into some of its most famous build­ings while lis­ten­ing to the com­men­tary of high­ly qual­i­fied experts,” the Rome Reborn site promis­es . Famous build­ings one might explore include the Roman forum and the Basil­i­ca of Max­en­tius. It is not an expe­ri­ence based in real­ism. In some of the sim­u­la­tions “you can opt for a whirl­wind   fly­over tour  of the city,” notes Meilan Sol­ly at Smith­son­ian .

This rough­ly two-hour tour is like noth­ing any ancient Roman ever expe­ri­enced. “Com­par­a­tive­ly, the two site vis­its place users in the driver’s seat,” Sol­ly writes, “afford­ing them free­dom to roam through recon­struct­ed streets and halls.” It’s not quite the stuff of a sim­u­lat­ed uni­verse just yet, but it may not be too far in the future before Rome Reborn® ful­ly lives up to its name. Learn more about ancient Rome, cir­ca 320 CE, in the videos here, and learn more about Rome Reborn at their offi­cial site .

Relat­ed Con­tent:

Explore Ancient Athens 3D, a Dig­i­tal Recon­struc­tion of the Greek City-State at the Height of Its Influ­ence

An Ani­mat­ed Recon­struc­tion of Ancient Rome: Take A 30-Minute Stroll Through the City’s Vir­tu­al­ly-Recre­at­ed Streets

French Illus­tra­tor Revives the Byzan­tine Empire with Mag­nif­i­cent­ly Detailed Draw­ings of Its Mon­u­ments & Build­ings: Hagia Sophia, Great Palace & More

Josh Jones  is a writer and musi­cian based in Durham, NC. Fol­low him at  @jdmagness

by Josh Jones | Permalink | Comments (4) |

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Comments (4), 4 comments so far.

While it looks great, I don’t believe it’s accu­rate. Rome was built on hills, not flat land.

I do agree, Rome was built on hills and not flat land.

This web­site is absolute trash maybe you should upgrade to the um, you know 2022 style! I’m not 77 bro I’m try­ing to learn as an 11-year-old not to go back to 1709. pls pls pls pls pls pls pls upgrade this place is absolute trash! trash trash trash trash!!!

Why not make a real dig­i­tal twin based on actu­al pho­to’s and videos. Nowa­days there is great soft­ware with ai to cre­ate a more real expe­ri­ence.

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Colosseum Virtual Tour: Blood and Sand in Ancient Rome

Explore the ancient world's greatest monument from home on our virtual tour of the Colosseum

• tour overview
• tour description
• tour reviews

duration 1.5 hour

Tour Overview

Spend a fascinating hour in the company of Through Eternity guide and practising archaeologist Luca, and discover ancient Rome’s most iconic monument through the eyes of an expert. On our virtual tour of the Colosseum you’ll be immersed in the bloody games that lit up the amphitheatre nearly 2,000 years ago. Discover how the deadly spectacles of life and death that took place there were wildly popular, and get inside the minds of the ancient Romans who watched the gore with grim fascination. Recreating a day at the games, we’ll learn who the gladiators were and what happened when they stepped onto the sands of the arena. We'll also be going behind the scenes down into the dark world of the Colosseum's underground, where slaves toiled in hellish conditions to make the games a reality. Thanks to Luca's spellbinding narration and spectacular imagery, our immersive webinar will bring antiquity’s greatest monument to life from the comfort of your own home. Join us today! If the day of the week or start time of this group tour doesn't work for you, please email us at [email protected] to arrange a suitable alternative date.

• Live webinar broadcast from Rome
• Immersive presentation by archaeologist Luca
• Videos, photos and virtual reconstructions make the Colosseum come alive
• Have your questions answered by Luca

• Discover the history of the Colosseum
• Relive a day at the ancient games
• Learn who the gladiators really were
• Explore the Colosseum's underground and upper levels

Tour Description

Meet your guide: luca.

Hi! My name is Luca and I was born in Rome 43 years ago. At the age of 17 I set off for the United States for my senior year of High School in Milwaukee, WI. Back in Italy, I went on to college and got a master's degree in archaeology. My work as an archaeologist took me all over Italy, and even to Egypt! 10 years ago I earned my tour guide qualification, and decided to join the Through Eternity team. I have been taking visitors around Rome ever since, trying to inspire them and give them an unforgettable experience of the Eternal City. I hope I’ll be able to get back to it soon when all this is over!

What Exactly is a Through Eternity Virtual Tour?   

The world of travel might be on hold right now, but just because we're all staying at home to help the world overcome a common enemy doesn't mean we have to put our wanderlust on the back burner. Frustrated with not being able to get our travel fix, we decided to transform our award-winning tours into immersive virtual experiences, meaning you can still explore Italy’s spectacular archaeological sites and jaw-dropping museums from the comfort of your own home.

* Please note that the booking times are in US Eastern Standard Time and Rome, Italy CET is 6 hours ahead *

Fun and informative , our virtual tours take the form of online  real-time presentations  led by our  expert guides . Combining videos, high-definition photos and more, our guides will be sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience with you on these interactive walkthroughs of Italy’s most fascinating sites. The  live format  of our virtual tours means you’ll be able to ask your guide anything you wish, just like on a normal tour. We really believe it's the next best thing to being here!

As a sign of our gratitude to those who are on the front line fighting the Coronavirus, we would be more than happy to invite all first responders , health workers and NHS workers to join our Virtual Tours for free.

Please note that the proceeds from our online tours go directly to our guides, providing them with a valuable lifeline in these tough times for the world of travel. Thank you for your support!  

Relive a Day at the Roman Games and Discover the Secrets of the Arena

Join Luca to discover the fascinating history of the Colosseum: learn how the massive amphitheatre was constructed on the site of the hated emperor Nero’s Golden House, and the massive slave labour that made its construction possible. Relive the extraordinary inaugural games that lasted 100 days, and discover how the games would continue here for fully five centuries as a key guarantor of social cohesion in the Imperial capital.

Get ready to relive an entire day at the games: from the gruesome wild animal hunts that brought north-African hippos and lions to the verge of extinction to the spectacle of criminals being fed to the beasts in bizarre re-enactments of ancient myths, Roman bloodlust knew no bounds. But the highlight of the games for any ancient Roman was of course the gladiator battles that pitted armed combatants against one another in brutal but highly choreographed duels to the death. 

Walk in the Virtual Footsteps of the Gladiators onto the Arena Floor

On your virtual tour of the Colosseum with Luca you'll find out everything you could want to know about the gladiators: discover where they came from and how they lived in the spartan surroundings of gladiator schools. Learn about their punishing training regimes under the watchful guide of their lanista , and how they were a lot chubbier than Russell Crowe. We'll also be recreating the intense drama of their mortal combats on the sands of the arena, and discovering what happened to the winners and the losers - hint: it involved a giant mace.

Explore the Dark World of the Colosseum's Underground 

Explore the Colosseum’s various levels. Learn how where you sat depended on who you were, from the ringside Imperial box and the areas reserved for senators and Vestal Virgins to the nosebleed seats reserved for women and slaves at the very top of the amphitheatre.

We’ll also be taking a virtual journey down into the dark world of the Colosseum’s underground Hypogeum . This dark warren of tunnels and cells that were hidden beneath the arena floor is perhaps the most atmospheric part of the whole amphitheatre. It was here that gladiators and beasts awaited their turn on the arena above. Learn about the ingenious elevators that winched them upwards, and the backbreaking labour of the slaves who made the games possible.

If you’re frustrated about not being able to get to Rome right now, we believe our immersive virtual Colosseum tour with Luca is the next best thing. Discover the secrets of the extraordinary ancient amphitheatre with us today!

Tour Reviews

5.0 (11 reviews)

My family and I toured the Colosseum with Luca as our guide while we were in Rome in July 2018. When I saw that he was offering virtual tours during the Pandemic, I signed up my entire office to enjoy his tour. Each of us thoroughly enjoyed Luca's virtual tour and his remarkable way of bringing excitement and engagement even into a virtual tour. Even though I toured the Colosseum with Luca in 2018, his ability to use additional media with his virtual tour allowed him to delve deeper into the history and culture that was ancient Rome and the Colosseum. Beacuse of Luca's training and active archeology in Rome, he brings a special perspective and passion for its history. My family is looking for another virtual tour by Luca until we can return back to Rome and be yet again inspired by him and his limitless knowledge of Rome and his history. Don't hesitate to meet and join him on a virtual tour!

Jeffrey - Oct 13, 2020

My husband and and I learned such a wealth of information from Luca about the history of the Colliseum! Just felt that we were in Rome for the hour to take us away from being quarantined in Missouri. Thank you SO much!!!

Robyn Weilbacher - Jul 10, 2020

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Virtual Tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum

Explore the ancient world of rome without stepping out your front door with our virtual tour of the colosseum and roman forum..

The Colosseum and Roman Forum are two of Rome ’s most visited attractions. Every year, millions of travellers come walk through the commanding arch entrances to explore the world of Ancient Rome and imagine life here two thousand years ago under the Western Roman Empire. While both attractions are currently closed, that doesn’t mean we can’t discover the fascinating history and stories these two sites offer. So whether you are in your travel gear or your pyjamas, explore with us on our virtual tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre after the dynasty responsible for its construction between 72 – 80 AD, the Colosseum is an iconic symbol Ancient Rome situated in the heart of the modern city. The huge amphitheatre was the stage for violet public spectacles including gladiatorial fights, battle re-enactments and executions. ‘

It could accommodate up to 80,000 spectators in seating arranged according to class with the best seats reserved for senators and exclusive boxes for the emperor. The spectators could be sheltered from the sun by awnings that were rolled out from the roof. Beneath the wooden stage was a series of tunnels and cages that housed slaves and animals to be released into the arena via trapdoors and pulleys.

Arch of Constantine

Exiting the Colosseum, to your left you will notice the imposing Arch of Constantine. The triumphal arch towered over the route taken by victorious military leaders when entering Rome. It was commissioned by the senate to commemorate ten years of Constantine rule and his victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge.

Arch of Titus

Palatine Hill

Roman Forum

Travelling back down to the lowlands between Palatine and Capitoline Hills you will arrive at the Roman Forum. This area was once the centre of commercial, political and religious life in Ancient Rome. Wander amongst the ruins to admire important monuments including the House of Vestal Virgins , Temple of Saturn and the Senate (Curia).

While this virtual tour may have offered you a taste of some of the delightful sights and stories of these ancient icons, nothing beats exploring in real life. We hope to see you in Rome soon for a tour in the flesh!

Related article:  The Best Time to Visit Rome

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Colosseum Self Guided Tour with 3D Virtual Reality Experience

Prepare yourself to be immersed in the grandeur of ancient Rome with our exclusive Colosseum skip-the-line, self-guided virtual reality tour. Dive into the heart of one of the most iconic architectural marvels ever built and experience its history like never before.

Experience Ancient Rome Through Interactive 3D

Imagine yourself standing amidst the hustle and bustle of the heart of ancient Rome, witnessing the mighty Colosseum in all its glory. Our cutting-edge virtual reality tour brings the Colosseum’s captivating history to life. Experience the Colosseum in a fully animated and interactive 3D reconstruction, complete with gripping audio commentary.

Stroll the square, feel the adrenaline of the gladiators on the arena floor, and listen to the ferocious roars of lions echoing through the corridors. Then, head below to the mysterious underbelly of the Colosseum, where slaves and gladiators once prepared for epic spectacles.

Marvel at the Majestic Colosseum

Built to accommodate between 50,000 to 75,000 spectators, the Colosseum stands as a testament to the grandeur of Rome. Our virtual reality tour allows you to skip the line and explore the Colosseum intimately. Relive the moments of greatest glory and visualize the iconic symbol of Rome as it was centuries ago.

Extend Your Exploration to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Once you’ve completed your journey through the Colosseum, venture further to the ruins of the Roman Forum and the legendary Palatine Hill. Walk the same streets as Roman emperors, discover the site where Rome was founded, and marvel at the heart of the vast Roman Empire.

Journey with Us

Join us on an extraordinary journey through time. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill. Experience the history, the myths, and the glory of ancient Rome through our skip-the-line self-guided virtual reality tour.

Experience the grandeur and history of Rome as it unfolds before your eyes. Unveil the secrets of the ancient world with our exclusive virtual reality tour. Book your journey through time today.

• Interactive 3D reconstruction of life in ancient Rome.
• Detailed history of the Colosseum, Rome’s iconic symbol.
• Guided exploration of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
• Oculus VR headset, providing the highest quality VR experience.
• Audio commentary in English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, or Italian (chosen during the booking process).
• Samsung S7 rental and English-speaking VR assistant to enhance your virtual journey.
• Skip-the-line entrance tickets to the Colosseum , Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
• Comprehensive third-party insurance for peace of mind.
• Live guide.
• Access to the Underground , Arena Floor, and the Third Ring.
• Personal expenses and gratuities.
• Transportation to and from the venue.

Free cancellation up to 1 day before tour starts.

from €1200.00 EUR Duration:  3.5 Hours  Organized by: Enjoy Rome

from €260.00 EUR Duration: 7 Hours  Seller: Musement

from €48.60 EUR Duration: 3 Hours  Organized by: Gray Line I Love Rome

Joy of Rome

+39 3279147926

[email protected]

LIVE TOURS › ANCIENT ROME › ANCIENT ROME Virtual Reality Tour

ANCIENT ROME Virtual Reality Tour

Discover and explore the colosseum gladiators, animals fights and… virtual reality be ready to enjoy, have fun and learn travelling back in time.

GOOD TO KNOW

• 2.5/3 hrs approx.
• Daily Except for the first Sunday of the month
• 10AM – 3.00PM (flexible upon request)
• SKIP THE LINE TO ALL SITES
• Use of goggles (only outside)
• Colosseum (inside)
• Arch of Costantine
• Roman Forum (Arch of Titus, Temple of Julius Caesar, etc.)
• PRIVATE and SMALL GROUPS

3D glasses are not allowed inside the Colosseum/Forum for security reasons.  Introduction to the Colosseum outside using goggles, enter the Colosseum and climb up to the second tier, see the Arch of Constantine and use of goggles again. Enter the ancient Roman Forum, the Holy street and the Arch of Titus then an (easy) climb of the Palatine Hill to visit the ruins of Caesars’ Palace.

ROME !! You’ve watched movies about it, studied it in school, read about it in books, and now you are finally here! An  Ancient Rome VIRTUAL REALITY tour with GOGGLES  is   tailored to satisfy all your curiosity and have a complete immersion in the ancient Rome scenarios! The virtual reality points in our tour are carefully designed and chosen for you. While you will walk on the cobble stones of the Eternal City, we will show you reconstructions and 3d pictures using glasses. The city from where, more than 2000 years ago, the fate of a huge empire was decided by charismatic and unscrupulous emperors! You will see the marbles shining, the bronze statue of the emperor Nero intact! Games and Gladiators and temples as if they were never torned down! We studied only the most impressive and inspiring points of view to make you see the ancient city of Rome as it used to be. Follow us through more than 12 centuries of ancient Roman history reconstucted! During this ancient Rome walking virtual tour, you will literally BE there thanks to the glasses and the perfect and accurate reconstructions. You and your kids won’t believe your eyes! As you will be watching the 3d,  your expert guide will describe the environment for you like being in a guided tour…Somewhere else!

What will we see in the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Virtual Reality 3d Tour?

The use of the glasses is not permitted inside the archeological areas by law.

We designed a perfect itinerary for you to mix and match ancient remains and reconstructions. After we meet, we will use the googles for the first time watching the outside of the Colosseum and the surroundings. You will move at the same time in the real space and the virtual one with the best guides always at your side.

We studied the reconstructions and chose the best ones developed in collaboration with top notch archaeologists: this technological support will make your ancient Rome tour just amazing and unforgettable experience.

Next, we will enter the Colosseum like an ancient spectator , climb the stairs and reach the first tier! You will be struck by a spectacular view of the arena and your expert, local tour guide will make history come alive again! Imagine  gladiators  wounded by wild  lions  and  tigers , criminals skinned alive or fed to wild animals during  cruel executions . And finally, in the afternoon, bet (not for real!) on the gladiators fighting for their life.

After the exploration of the Flavian Amphiteatre , leave the stadium walk to the  Arch of Constantine , in 5 minutes you will arrive at the beating heart of the ancient world: the  Roman Forum .

Here there will be a second virtual reality stop to go deep into the Colosseum story and travel down to the Underground area to watch the cages where lions and gladiators were kept and to have the best introduction to the majesty of the Roman Forum. After watching the “piazza” of the past through your glasses, we will be back on the real world and enter the Roman Forum for real! During tour Roman Forum Tour with the help of our licensed guides you will easily imagine sellers trading goods, politicians speaking to the crowd, judges sentencing criminals, teachers surrounded by their students. Be inspired by the beauty of the most important remains of antiquity: the  Temple of Saturn , the Tabularium façade, the ancient Senate house, the  Temple of Julius Cesar , the house of the Vestal Virgins and their Holy Fire. Walk through the “Via Sacra”, the holiest road in Rome, to reach the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine and the  Arch of Titus,  with its picture of the glorious  Jewish Menorah .

After this, a very easy walk will take us to the top of the  Palatine Hill , where the imposing remains of the  Imperial Palace  are still visible!

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the Ancient city with a different approach! Book your immersive 3D walking tour of Ancient Rome and the Colosseum!

PLEASE NOTE : from October to February Colosseum and Roman Forum will close at 4:30 PM.

• Small groups are available only at 3PM from June 1st to October 15th. On winter time: 10AM and 1.30PM. All groups are available only at 3PM from June 1st to October 15th. On winter time: 10AM and 1.30PM
• The googles will be sanitized before the tour and share with max 2 persons
• You’ll be in a group of max 8 pax
• The virtual reality technology will be used only OUTSIDE the Colosseum and OUTSIDE the Roman Forum for a minimum 30 minutes time. Virtual reality experience will be matched with real tour INSIDE Colosseum and Roman Forum.
• Your tour guide is  LICENSED and specialized in ROMAN HISTORY and VR technology use .
• The cost of the Colosseum entry tickets is NOT included in the tour guide fees. Buy your tickets and save your money!! The online procedure is very easy! After paying the deposit to secure the tour, we will send you the online booking procedure to get your admission tickets.
• Colosseum Tickets : The cost of entry tickets is NOT included in the guide fees. ADULTS:  18 euros CHILDREN under 18 do not pay entry tickets (just the  2 euro reservation fee).

We run only private tours.

We don't run small groups.

We can accommodate time/day request according to our guides' and entry tickets availability.

Final and detailed price will be provided after receiving your request from the contact form.

Starting price for a private tour 2,5 hrs for 2 adults: 350 euro + tickets but definitive price is provided *only* upon request. Price can be reduced during low season or increased during holiday, peak dates or last minute request.

For group larger than four, price will be provided upon request.

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Colosseum tour with virtual reality

About this activity.

Smartphone tickets accepted

• Your booking is confirmed instantly
• This activity is in your language

Experience Highlights

Recreate the era of the Roman Empire in the Colosseum on this tour with virtual reality goggles . You can rent them and live a multi-sensory and immersive experience at your own pace in the place where history was written. And no waiting in line!

You'll be part of a digital reconstruction of the arena's spectacles with a narrative audio guide and epic music to make you feel like an emperor of ancient Rome. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill , two other legendary stops in the Eternal City, as they are accessible with the same ticket you will use to enter the Colosseum.

• Get to know the Colosseum in Rome in a unique way: reliving its moments of glory with virtual reality goggles .
• Tour the Italian capital's most iconic monument in a tour lasting approximately three hours .
• Discover the history of the Colosseum on this audio-guided tour
• Explore legendary sites such as the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with your Colosseum ticket

What’s included

• Audio-guided tour of the Colosseum with virtual reality glasses
• Queue-free access to Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Select participants and date

Step by step.

Experience the Colosseum in an exceptional way with virtual reality goggles to explore the vestiges of ancient Rome on your own, with a high quality narrative audio guide.

You'll experience an immersive, multi-sensory adventure in which you can recreate the historical events of this ancient Roman performance arena with 3D scenes , in the place where it all happened.

Through an audio guide, you will discover the history of the arena of mass entertainment where the emperors organised epic fights between gladiators and wild beasts. Plus, you won't need to wait in line at the entrance to the Colosseum.

You'll see the ruins of the Colosseum Square in person, while in the virtual reality goggles you'll see what it looked like in its heyday, making you feel like a Roman of the time.

The entrance to the Colosseum also gives you access to the Roman Forum , so as you walk through the Colosseum you will enjoy the ancient and legendary centre of Rome in the 7th century BC, where the golden age of the Empire was lived.

You can also stroll along the Palatine Hill, home to the imposing ruins of temples and palaces such as the Stadium of Domitian and the House of Augustus, the residence of the first great emperor of the Italian capital.

• P Pablo 5 (0 Reviews) Very good experience getting to know ancient Rome from the inside of history, plus the audio guide is in many languages so it is accessible to everyone.
• A Andrea 4 (0 Reviews) The whole family was fascinated with this tour, how original and fun!
• R Roman 5 (0 Reviews) We are a large group of friends who decided to take this tour because we thought it was very original. At the end of the tour we were all delighted, no complaints with the tour is highly recommended if you are looking for a different experience.
• M Mohamed 5 (0 Reviews) I consider that there is no better way to learn about the history of Rome, I didn't know this tour existed and for me it was the discovery of the year.

Departure and Return

Other things you should know.

• Wheelchair accessible tour
• Maximum 25 persons per tour
• If the experience is cancelled due to bad weather, you can change the date, choose another tour or ask for a full refund.
• Protective measures against covid are in place
• From 15 December, tickets for the Coliseum are nominative and non-transferable. They cannot be changed or cancelled once purchased. Each customer must present an identity document at the door of the Coliseum that matches the name on the tickets.

Cancellation Policy

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Home > Online Experiences > Colosseum EXCLUSIVE

Explore the Colosseum Archaeological Park

Experience the exclusive opportunity of a virtual walk without the crowds inside the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine hill, while interacting live with your host

Concession of the “Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali e per il Turismo – Parco archeologico del Colosseo”

NO ONE MAKES IT MORE IMMERSIVE

Enjoy first-person views, as if you were really there

NO ONE GETS YOU MORE ACCESS

Get an insider’s look into the very heart of Ancient Rome, together with your host

Enjoy an exclusive Interactive Virtual Tour

Colosseum with special access to the gladiator arena | live-streamed tour, €18 per person | 60 mins | free cancellation up to 24 hrs in advance.

An EXCLUSIVE and interactive walk INSIDE the Colosseum before visitors’ time. W alk through the same entrance where the Ancient Romans used to enter explore the ARENA FLOOR, where the gladiators used to fight!

Roman Forum & Palatine Hill | Live-streamed tour

Join us in this EXCLUSIVE and interactive walk through the streets of the ancient city of Rome. See ancient Rome from the point of view of an ancient Roman person, like you and us, strolling around its own city!

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Roman Colosseum

Roman Colosseum: An Icon of Ancient Grandeur

Step into the heart of ancient Rome’s grandeur at the Roman Colosseum, a monumental amphitheater that stands as a testament to the empire’s architectural prowess and its vibrant history. Located in the heart of Rome, Italy, this iconic landmark draws visitors from around the globe to marvel at its awe-inspiring structure.

Situated at Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy, the Roman Colosseum is a symbol of the empire’s cultural and entertainment heritage. Its towering arches and imposing facade evoke a sense of reverence and curiosity as you approach.

Step inside the Roman Colosseum and be transported to a time when gladiators and spectacles captured the imagination of the masses. As you wander through its corridors and tiers, you’ll gain insights into the engineering marvel that allowed this colossal arena to host thrilling contests and dramatic performances.

Imagine the roars of the crowd and the clash of swords as you stand within the walls that witnessed epic battles and historic events. The Colosseum’s architecture and history intertwine to offer a captivating narrative of ancient Rome’s social and cultural dynamics.

Beyond its architectural splendor, the Roman Colosseum serves as a symbol of resilience and endurance. It has weathered the passage of time, bearing witness to the rise and fall of empires, and remains a reminder of humanity’s capacity for creation and innovation.

Inspired by the legacy of the Roman Colosseum, consider planning a journey to Rome and experiencing this architectural marvel firsthand. Immerse yourself in the history, stand within its monumental walls, and gain a profound appreciation for the enduring impact of ancient Rome on the modern world. Learn more at https://www.coopculture.it/en/poi/colosseum/ .

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Experience the Magnificence of Ancient Rome on a Two-Hour Journey Through Time

A new aerial tour by flyover zone lets you visit the colosseum, the circus maximus, and more..

A new 3D tour of ancient Rome allows you to explore the imperial city as it appeared in the 4th century CE. The tour, produced by the education technology company Flyover Zone, is the fourth iteration of the 3D model.

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The tour’s full name is “Rome Reborn: Flight over Ancient Rome,” and it’s hosted on Yorescape alongside 13 other virtual tours of sites from ancient civilizations. The first version of the virtual flyover was published in 2007, the second the following year, and the third in 2018. Version 4.0 has better graphics than the previous iterations, giving the scale model a more realistic look.

Rome Reborn was first dreamt up in 1974 by Bernard Frischer, an archaeologist and digital humanist at Indiana University. The digital humanities have come a long way in the intervening decades, to the extent that archaeologists can now digitally “unwrap” and read scrolls, like those burnt and buried in the destruction of Roman towns Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 CE.

“Teachers can use this and other tours on Yorescape to take their students on virtual field trips to the cultures they are studying,” Frischer said in a press release . “Armchair travelers can explore great heritage sites without having to leave home. Yorescape can help travelers to prepare for a trip to Rome, get more out of a trip by using it once they have arrived, and keep their memories alive once they return home.”

According to the Yorescape website, the Rome flyover tour is just under two hours, and features 61 stops highlighting the city’s geography, marketplaces, temples, and other cultural landmarks.

Rome Reborn 4.0 also benefits from new archaeological discoveries and updated recreations of known monuments and structures, including the Baths of Caracalla, the Stadium of Domitian (where Piazza Navona now is), and three theaters. It shows the city as it looked in 320 CE, before the capital of the empire was moved to Constantinople under the emperor…yes, Constantine the Great.

“Our goal is not to replace real-world tourism but to enhance it,” Frischer added.

Indeed, the model also includes locations (named “Time Warps”) where users can see how ancient sites appear in Rome today. The model contains approximately 7,000 buildings that would’ve stood in the 4th-century city.

We may not be able to time travel, but exploring ancient Rome in high-definition is a not-too-distant second choice.

More: Archaeologists Unearth a Fanciful Ancient Winery Near Rome

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Colosseum Virtual Reality Experience

Adults 15+: 24.90€ Child 4-14: 19.90€ Infant 0-3: 0 €

English Italian French Spanish German Portuguese

9:00 AM 11:00 AM 1:00 PM

Experience the magic of the Colosseum by joining a Colosseum Virtual Reality Experience . Therefore, play, learn and have fun with us!

Meet the staff at the agreed point and join the group. The staff will certainly be happy to welcome you and provide you with all the information you need to carry out your visit in the best possible way.So set off to discover one of the most important amphitheaters in history wearing a latest generation VR viewer . Observe it closely as if you were really there in 72 AD. In conclusion, three accurate reconstructions will allow you to take a virtual journey through the square, the arena floor and the undergrounds of the Colosseum .

What to see in Virtual Reality Tour

Discover the magnificent Meta Sudans , the fountain of the gladiators ; the Colossus of Nero, which gives its name to the monument itself; then the Arch of Constantine and finally in the Temple of Venus and Rome . Through the animated and interactive reconstruction of the Colosseum in 3D , you will have integrated a multilingual narrative voice. Therefore, all the contents within the reconstruction that you will observe, were handled by the well-known Prof. Filippo Coarelli and by the Digilab Archeo & Arte3D department of the La Sapienza University of Rome .

On the Colosseum Virtual Reality Experience  you can feel enveloped by the screams and applause of the 70,000 spectators eagerly awaiting the show. Gladiators ; lions; freight elevators that open; and again the velarium, the magnificent red curtain that will close to provide shade; and finally you, who sitting in the emperor’s seat, will have the task of deciding the fate of the wounded gladiator. What will you decide? Will it be “death or grace”? To end the experience, walk and lose yourself in the dark and gloomy dungeons. Animal cages and gladiator rooms alternate in a continuous succession of corridors. The slaves work tirelessly to prepare unforgettable shows. A magnificent labyrinth in which to learn the structures that allowed the show to begin.

So, are you ready? What are you waiting for! Book now!

Site Visited

• VR Assistant in English and Italian
• VR headsets
• RC insurance
• Integrated audio-guide (Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese)
• Eye mask cover for headset
• Hand sanitizing gel

Not included

• Colosseum Ticket Skip the Line
• Access to the Colosseum Underground
• Access to the Arena Floor Colosseum
• Guided Tour
• Transport to/from the hotel
• Food and drinks

Select participants and date

Important things to know.

• It is necessary to arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the tour start time. Customers who arrive late at the meeting point can NO longer join the tour, therefore they are not entitled to any kind of right or refund.
• Please show the voucher to the staff (also in electronic format)
• Tour not available on January 1st, May 1st, December 25th
• Online bookings must be made at least 24 hours in advance, last minute bookings are accepted by phone or by e-mail.
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and bring a valid identity card
• Comfortable shoes are recommended
• It is forbidden to carry bulky and heavy luggage.
• For assistance with meeting points or other urgent problems, call +39 3313586107
• In case of rain, all our tours run regularly

Meet us here

The meeting point established is ARCH OF CONSTANTINE (side Colosseum). Here you will find our staff equipped with a black flag with a gold “Ancient & Recent” logo.

Meeting Point

Need to cancel your trip?

If you cancel your reservation you will be charged a 30% cancellation fee. Cancellation between 6 and 4 calendar days in advance of the scheduled departure time, you will be charged a 50% cancellation fee. If you cancel within 3 calendar days (72 hours) of the scheduled departure time, you will becharged a 100% cancellation fee. Refund will only be issued if the tour was booked and paid for directly with Ancient&Recent within a week from the cancellation. The payment will not be refunded for any other reason (i.e. weather, change of travel plans, illness, missed train..).

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Ancient and Recent 2022-02-04T10:19:16+01:00 15 November 2021 |

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Ancient and Recent 2022-02-04T10:08:10+01:00 11 October 2021 |

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Reviews (9).

Quinn – 13 November 2021

Amazing experience. Loved it

Patricia Goss – 5 December 2021

Nice and helpful staff, next time I will book a tour to visit the Colosseum!

Gaia Trevisano – 12 December 2021

Un’esperienza che insegna e diverte. Stupendo, poi il fatto che si svolga esattamente di fronte al Colosseo rende tutto ancora più suggestivo.

Joan Ward – 15 September 2022

The tour shows three major areas of the colosseum at the peak of its glory: the outside, the inside and the underground. This is a MUST if you’re in Rome.

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The 5 Best Rome Colosseum Tours With Skip-the-Line Access

A s the most enduring symbol of the Roman Empire and one of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Colosseum receives more than 6 million visitors per year, so it's not easy to escape the crowds. A visit is worth it, though, if you want to see the world's largest amphitheater – once known as the Flavian Amphitheater – and try to imagine what it would have been like 2,000 years ago.

A standard ticket to the Colosseum also includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, so many (but not all) tours also include those ancient sites. Inside the ancient complex, there is very little signage explaining what you're looking at. A good guide will not only get you skip-the-line access but also bring these incredible places to life. Keep in mind that most Colosseum tours only give you access to the arena floor and upper level. If you want to visit the underground hypogeum, you need to make sure it's included in the tour.

Crown Tours: Skip the line Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum tour

Price: Adults from $84; kids from $67

Duration: 3 hours

Standout perk: Engaging guides speak several languages.

Selected by GetYourGuide as a Certified Experience, this group tour starts at the Colosseum, then takes you to the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Groups consist of up to 30 people, and tourgoers are given headsets so they can better hear and follow the guide. The tour meets at Largo Gaetana Agnesi on the hill overlooking the Colosseum about 30 minutes before the official entry time to get everyone checked in and set up with headsets. The guide then leads participants into the Colosseum and up to the second level, where there's a chance to stop and take photos. On the way back down, there's another photo-op at the arena level before the guide leads the group over to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.

Crown Tours also offers guided tours of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Basilica, as well as the Borghese Gallery, Pantheon and other sites.

Local tip: This tour is offered over a variety of time slots every day. Pick one of the earlier time slots to make sure you'll finish up by lunchtime.

Check prices & availability on:

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Through Eternity Tours: Ultimate Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Price: Adults from $105; kids from $95

Standout perk: This tour includes the Palatine Hill, which some tours skip.

Recent visitors praise the knowledgeable guides for their passion about ancient history and keeping the tour moving while explaining everything in detail. This tour starts at 9:30 a.m. seven days a week and finishes up around lunchtime. In addition to the Colosseum, highlights include the Via Sacra and the House of the Vestal Virgins in the Roman Forum, as well as the Farnese Gardens on the Palatine Hill.

This tour starts at 9:15 a.m. daily. Groups are limited to 10 people; if six or more people are taking the tour, the guide gives out headsets so everyone can hear. Participants are asked to meet 10 minutes before the start time in front of Cafe/Restaurant Angelino ai Fori on Largo Corrado Ricci. The tour is stroller-accessible, but not wheelchair-accessible. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle, especially on hot days.

Through Eternity Tours offers a variety of group and private tours of Rome and other destinations, including Florence , Naples and Pompeii.

Local tip: Book a table at the nearby Taverna dei Fori Imperiali to enjoy a leisurely lunch after the tour.

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LivTours: The Best of Colosseum & Ancient Rome With Exclusive Arena Access

Price: Adults from $163; kids from $145

Standout perk: Virtual reality headsets show what the ancient sites would have looked like.

Recent tourgoers praise the guides on this tour for bringing the facts and stories about ancient Rome to life. Along with the confirmation email, participants receive an invitation to download an app. During the tour, the guide gives everyone a cardboard virtual reality headset that works with the app and shows a reconstruction of the Colosseum and the surrounding valley. After visiting the Colosseum, the tour continues to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, where the virtual reality headsets show you a reconstruction of the Circus Maximus and the structures in the Roman Forum. At all the sites, you get skip-the-line access.

These semiprivate tours are guaranteed to have no more than six people, making them a more personalized experience than other group tours. However, because the tours are small, the guides don't use headsets, and some participants noted that it can be difficult to hear the guide over the noise in the Colosseum.

Local tip: You can get some great photos from the upper level, especially if you stand at the apex of the oval.

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Roma Experience: Private Colosseum Tour With Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Price: From $531

Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes

Standout perk: See these ancient sites with an archaeologist who dug at the Roman Forum.

For a deeper understanding (no pun intended) of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, a tour with Elisa Valeria Bove, CEO of Roma Experience, is one of the best you can buy. She studied archaeology and has been involved in excavations at the Roman Forum and other sites, so she's just the person to guide you if you want to get beyond the surface level. Her private tours range from just under three hours for a skip-the-line Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill tour to the full-day "See Rome in One Day" tour, which also includes a guided visit of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Be sure to specify if you want to visit the hypogeum when you book.

Roma Experience organizes bespoke private tours throughout Italy, including multiday itineraries. Bove will work with you to customize your experience and bring you to places you wouldn't think to visit, like Quintili's Villa on the ancient Appian Way.

Local tip: If you want to see another incredible archaeological park, let Bove take you to Ostia Antica, less than an hour from Rome.

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Imago Artis Travel: Timeless Tales of Gods and Laymen of the Ancient Rome

Price: On request

Duration: 4 hours

Standout perk: This tour includes the Pantheon in addition to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Founded by three art historians with a passion for Roman art and history, Imago Artis Travel offers bespoke private tours of Rome and beyond. Imago Artis works closely with their clients to craft personalized itineraries that highlight the city's most incredible monuments and hidden gems. This tour lasts a half-day and includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Pantheon, with an optional stop for espresso, but you can customize the itinerary to do a full-day tour or multiday itinerary.

Other itineraries that include the Colosseum bring visitors to the Basilica of San Clemente, known as the "lasagna church" because it was built in layers: The deeper you descend, the further back in time you go. Imago Artis also grants visitors exclusive access to off-limits places, such as a church overlooking the Roman Forum. The company also organizes multiday itineraries throughout Italy.

Local tip: There's an element of surprise and delight with Imago Artis that's hard to find elsewhere, especially if your guide is Fulvio De Bonis, one of the company's founders.

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Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura Itzkowitz is a Rome-based freelance journalist who thinks about the Roman Empire all the time. She has visited the Colosseum in the morning, in the evening after the crowds have left, on group tours and private tours. To curate this list of the best Colosseum tours, she used her own experience as well as her research expertise, culling tips from locals and visitors.

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