For those who find a vacation rental in Rome, a visit to the Colosseum is likely already going to be part of your itinerary and, as a new area is about to be opened to the public for the first time, there is even more reason to head to this renowned attraction whether you have been there before or not! Opening to the public on the 27th of October 2025 is a tunnel underneath the iconic landmark that was once only used by Emperors. So, if you want to walk in the footsteps of the rulers of Ancient Rome, it is a perfect time to plan a holiday in Italy…
The Commodus Passage was an imperial corridor that was used to allow emperors to move between their private viewing box at the Colosseum and other nearby buildings quietly, safely, privately, unseen, and without interruption. It was one of various secret passages and tunnels of ancient Rome and it allows modern day visitors some insight into the lifestyle and experiences of the rulers of the great empire.
This passageway, in particular, was rediscovered originally in the 1810s and is named for the Emperor Commodus who ruled between 177 and 192 A.D. and was already famously brought to life in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator. Commodus was known to have been especially interested in gladiatorial games – which is why he is the ruler depicted in the beloved film – and accordingly used the corridor frequently. It is even suggested in some historical accounts that his use of the passageway even led to the foiling of an assassination attempt upon him.
However, this new area of the Colosseum that the public is allowed to explore is not only interesting due to its reasons for use but also because of its appearance and details. On the entrance passage there are decorative details depicting various entertainments that once acted as warm-up acts to the more brutal games put on in the arena including acrobatic displays, boar hunts, and bear fights.
Restoration of the s-shaped passage took place between October 2024 and September 2025. This involved reviving the decorative stuccoes and plasters, reinforcing the structural integrity of the corridor, and installing a new walkway and lighting for visitors. A digital reconstruction of the passageway was also created to give guests a better sense of what it once looked like in all its glory. Additional restoration is being done on part of the further reaches of the tunnel, which extend far beyond the arena and are due to be opened in 2026. The culmination of the first phase of the project, however, will come towards the end of this month when the corridor will be made accessible for the first time in 2,000 years.
So, find your holiday rental in Rome today for a getaway after the 27th of October 2025 (or in 2026 for even more reveals) and you will be able to reach new depths of understanding about this iconic Italian landmark by diving down underneath it and into these newly restored ancient tunnels…