Piazza Navona Underground - The Stadium of Domitian

About this experience

The Stadium of Domitian is hidden beneath Piazza Navona like some sort of buried treasure. Which it is. This unique UNESCO World Heritage Site was Rome's first permanent venue for gladiator games and competitive athletics. With this Priority Entrance ticket you'll get to explore this subterranean space along with an audio guide. This is one for sports fans history buffs.It's hard to believe that just underneath Rome's bustling Piazza Navona lies an Ancient Roman building packed with thrilling history. The Stadium of Domitian (also called ) could seat up to 20,000 spectators, hungry for fights and ... gymnastics. Events held here featured professional gymnasts (often from Greece), running races (usually with female competitors), and more. Competing was considered so important, in fact, that names of the victors have been discovered inscribed on tombs. Names etched in stone beats the prize winners got while they were alive: they received a crown of oak and olive leaves. I guess they were in it for the love of the games? Emperor Titus commissioned the building of The Stadium of Domitian in roughly 80 AD (the same year the Colosseum was finished). And, when the Colosseum was damaged by fire in 217 AD, some of the gladiator games were held here.This stadium, once the height of Roman entertainment, now lies beneath the modern city. It's well worth your time to escape the chaos and crowds and see some stadium's ruins.

Highlights

• Get priority access to see Rome's first permanent venue for competitive athletics (and UNESCO World Heritage Site), commissioned in 80 AD
• See Piazza Navona from a different point of view.
• This underground Roman building is crammed with history, and once hosted gladiator games after a fire at the Colosseum!
• Let your audio guide (available in 6 languages) tell you all about Piazza Navona, the history of the Stadium of Domitian, and the athletic games once held here

What's included

• Entrance ticket to the Stadium of Domitian
• A physical guide that needs to be collected at the ticket office together with the ticket

How to use

1. Show Mobile Ticket
2. Ticketing counter
3. Your booking is confirmed. Final Ticket will be sent to you separately. Please present either mobile or printed Final Ticket for redemption.

What to expect

1. Fascinating Historical Context: Discover the rich history of Rome's first permanent venue for gladiator games and athletics.2. Subterranean Exploration:Navigate the underground remnants of this ancient structure beneath the bustling Piazza Navona.3. Priority Entrance: Enjoy skip-the-line access, allowing you to make the most of your visit without waiting in long queues.4. Audio Guide: Benefit from an informative audio guide that provides detailed insights into the stadium's history, architecture, and the events held there.5. Unique Archaeological Finds: See names of victors inscribed on tombs, a testament to the importance of competition in ancient Rome.6. Escape the Modern Chaos: Experience a serene and educational escape from the busy streets of modern Rome.7. Rich Visuals and Artifacts: Explore the stadium's ruins and imagine the grandeur of ancient Roman entertainment.8. Perfect for Sports and History Enthusiasts: Ideal for those interested in ancient sports, Roman history, and archaeological sites.

Things to note

• Wheelchair accessible
• Last admission: 40 minutes before closing

Terms & conditions

Show your smartphone ticket at the entrance. Opening Hours: Monday - Friday & Sunday: 10:00 - 19:00 Saturday: 10:00 - 20:00 Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Getting There: Take bus N70 from Termini Station and get off at Senato. From there it's only a 2-minute walk to the Stadium of Domitian. More Information:Age: 12 - 18