For the first time in modern history, the Passage of Commodus to the Colosseum opens its doors to the public. This extraordinary corridor, once reserved exclusively for Roman emperors, allowed them to access the Flavian Amphitheater away from prying eyes, connecting the reserved areas of the imperial palace directly to the box of honour. The name of the passage recalls Commodus, the gladiator emperor remembered for his eccentricity and violent end, which occurred precisely in this place according to ancient sources.
The restoration, which lasted several years, brought the original decorations to light, giving the public an environment full of charm and mystery. The walls, once covered with precious marble, still retain traces of the metal grappas that supported the slabs. In their place, archaeologists found plaster painted with landscapes and mythological scenes dedicated to Dionysus and Ariadne, symbols of rebirth and theatre, as well as niches decorated with figures linked to the arena games.
A restoration that combines history and accessibility
The intervention, managed by the Colosseum Archaeological Park under the direction of Alfonsina Russo and Massimo Osanna, represents a significant achievement for the valorization and accessibility of the monument. Thanks to PNRR funds, architectural barriers were eliminated with a retractable staircase and inclusive solutions were introduced, such as a tactile map and a reconstructive video illustrating the original decorations of the corridor.
Only small groups of eight people will be able to access the route at the same time, to preserve its integrity and guarantee an immersive experience. The section open to the public covers approximately thirty metres, but a second construction site, scheduled for the beginning of the new year, will extend the visit to the rest of the tunnel.
An exclusive journey into imperial history
Visitors will be able to admire the restored stuccos, the reconstructed vaults and the light effects that simulate the chiaroscuro of the ancient Roman “wolf’s mouths”. At the end of the route, a glass door will allow you to directly observe the restoration work still in progress. The Commodus Passage is not just a corridor: it is a journey through time, a fragment of imperial Rome returned to the city and the world.
The new Full Experience ticket will be available on the ticketing.colosseo.it website from the end of October 2025.
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