Secret tunnel used by Roman emperors inside the Colosseum reopens

KANIKA SINGH RATHORE,

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For the first time in almost 2,000 years, a hidden royal road RomeThe iconic Colosseum is set to open to the public, offering a unique glimpse into the ancient amphitheatre’s past.

From 27 October, visitors will be able to explore the secret corridor, known as the “Commodus Passage”, which allowed Roman emperors to access their reserved box of honour, invisible and protected, while watching the Games.

Named after the emperor Commodus, who ruled between 180 and 192 AD and was famously featured in Ridley Scott’s film the Gladiator, This route was first discovered in the 1810s.

Commodus was famous for his passion for gladiatorial competitions, and historical accounts suggest that he even survived an assassination attempt while crossing the tunnel.

archaeologist Remains of decorative elements were found at the entrance to the passageway, as discovered in the Colosseum Archaeological Park.

These included depictions of boar hunts, bear fights and acrobatic displays, which served as a fitting artistic prelude to the brutal scenes that awaited within the arena.

Workers walk in the so-called 'Passage of Emperor Commodus', a newly restored tunnel that ancient Roman emperors used to enter the invisible and protected Colosseum, which will open to visitors at the end of the month.

Workers walk in the so-called ‘Passage of Emperor Commodus’, a newly restored tunnel that ancient Roman emperors used to enter the invisible and protected Colosseum, which will open to visitors at the end of the month. ,Associated Press/Andrew Medichini,

This extraordinary opening is an important milestone in archaeological conservation and public access.

The corridor is ‘S’ shaped and continues outside the Colosseum area, but its final destination remains uncertain.

“Visitors can now get a taste of what it would have been like for an emperor to enter the grounds,” said architect Barbara Nazzaro, who supervised the restoration works.

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“With a little effort of imagination and the help of virtual reconstruction, they can appreciate the decorations, stucco, frescoes and marble that cover the walls.”

The project – completed between October 2024 and September 2025 – included structural conservation, restoration of decorative plaster and stucco, and the installation of a new walkway.

Archaeologists at the Colosseum Archaeological Park reported that Roman emperors used the passage to enter an invisible and protected area, leading directly to their reserved honor box while watching the games.

Archaeologists at the Colosseum Archaeological Park reported that Roman emperors used the passage to enter an invisible and protected area, leading directly to their reserved honor box while watching the games. ,Associated Press/Andrew Medichini,

A new lighting system recreates the natural light that once filtered through small vault openings, and a digital reconstruction helps visitors see the original appearance of the passage.

A second restoration project, expected to begin in early 2026, will include the section of tunnel extending beyond the perimeter of the Colosseum.

Uk