For the first time in history, they open "entirely" to the public Hypogea of the Colosseum. The heart of the monument, where once the performances of the Flavian Amphitheater were prepared, has been the subject of a meticulous restoration financed by Tod's Group. A work of 55 thousand hours, which involved 81 specialists and covered 15.000 square meters of surface. An operation that has (re) brought to light an incredible piece of history.
Hypogea of the Colosseum, a new path in the bowels of the amphitheater
Starting from Saturday 26 June, the Hypogeums of the Colosseum opened to the public in a whole new guise. A 160 meter long walkway now leads to the discovery of the basement of the amphitheater which, until 2018, could only be partially visited. Thus, visitors will be able to really play and imagine what happened here, from the inauguration of the arena in 80 AD to the last show in 523. Because it was precisely in the Hypogea of Colosseum as shows were being prepared, while men and animals came up unexpectedly from the hatches. Initially in wood, the basements were then built in masonry during the wood of Domitian. And they were completely renovated between 217 and 222, when the amphitheater closed due to a fire. Modified several times and finally buried, today they reveal themselves to the world in their fourteen corridors and in the evocative control rooms.
"This is a monument within a monument. Tourists can visit it by walking along a 160-meter-long serpentine walkway, waiting for that 2000-year-old backstage to return to the dark”Commented Alfonsina Russo, director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park. In the future, the entire flooring of the arena will be redone, which will cover the hypogea. Tod's Della Valle group financed the restoration. “In my world, that of large and strong companies, I say that it is no longer the time to ask what the Government can do for us. But what can we do for others. We must not miss the train of those who want to get busy and make themselves available to their country”Explained Andrea Della Valle, president and director of the Tod's Group. Tickets for the guided tour of the Hypogea of the Colosseum cost 9 euros per person.
Guide to visiting the Colosseum
Of a visit to Rome, the Colosseum is the essential starting point. The best way to visit it is by purchasing the Full Experience ticket which, at a cost of 22 euros for the whole and 20 euros for the reduced, allows you to visit:
- the arena
- the hypogea
- the oratory of the Forty Martyrs
- the first floor of the Palatine Museum
- the exterior of the House of Augustus
- the Schola Praeconum
- the temple of Romulus
The ticket can be used for two consecutive days, with only one entrance to the Colosseum and one to the archaeological area of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (where you can also see the current exhibitions).
Among the most beautiful monuments that you can visit with the Full Experience ticket there is also the Domus Aurea. Which, recently reopened to the public, until 7 January 2022 hosts a rich one exhibition on Raphael. On the program in the Octagonal Room, “Raphael and the Domus Aurea. The invention of the grotesques ”is an immersive exhibition on the (re) discovery of ancient painting, the one buried in the forgotten ruins of Nero's imperial palace.
Featured photo taken from the Facebook page of the City of Rome
