The Commodus Passage: Walking Through the Emperor's Secret Tunnel After 2,000 Years

📄After 2,000 years, the Commodus Passage—the secret imperial tunnel at the Colosseum—is open. Discover its dark history, how to visit, and booking tips.

The Passage of Commodus: The Emperor’s Secret Route Beneath the Colosseum

The hidden corridor where Rome's most infamous emperor walked to his death—now open to the public for the first time

Published October 11, 2025 | Updated October 2025 | 12 min read

Imagine standing in a dimly lit tunnel beneath the Colosseum, your footsteps echoing off ancient stone walls where emperors once walked in secret. The air is cool, heavy with history. Above you, tourists snap photos in the sunlight, oblivious that just meters below, you're tracing the same path that Emperor Commodus—the "Gladiator Emperor"—took nearly two thousand years ago. Some say his ghost still haunts this passage. After all, it's where conspiracy and murder found him.

For nearly two millennia, this secret corridor has been sealed from the public eye. But on October 27, 2025, after a year-long restoration, the Commodus Passage (or Passaggio di Commodo in Italian) finally opened its gates. And with it came stories of power, paranoia, and the dark underbelly of Imperial Rome that most visitors never see.

This isn't just another underground tunnel. This is the VIP entrance of the ancient world —a secret backdoor that allowed the most powerful men on Earth to slip in and out of history's greatest arena without ever mixing with the masses.

The Secret Entrance: Why Did Emperors Need a Hidden Tunnel?

Picture this: It's 190 AD, and you're Emperor Commodus. You've just declared yourself the reincarnation of Hercules (yes, really), and you're heading to the Colosseum to fight as a gladiator—because apparently, being emperor of the known world wasn't exciting enough.

But here's the problem: your popularity rating is somewhere between "despised" and "actively plotting your assassination." The Roman Senate hates you. Your own family has tried to poison you. Walking through 50,000 screaming spectators? That's not just inconvenient—it's a death wish.

Enter the secret passage.

Constructed between the late 1st century and early 2nd century AD—decades after the Colosseum's grand opening in 80 AD—this 180-foot (55-meter) tunnel was carved through the very foundations of the amphitheater. It wasn't part of the original blueprint; it was a later addition, an architectural afterthought born from necessity and paranoia.

"Now visitors can get a sense of what it was like to be an emperor entering the arena... With a bit of imagination and the help of a virtual reconstruction, they can appreciate the decorations, stuccoes, frescoes, and marbles that covered the walls." — Barbara Nazzaro, Architect and Restoration Supervisor

The tunnel connected directly to the imperial box on the south side of the Colosseum—the emperor's private skybox with the best view in the house. From there, it snaked underground, allowing the emperor to:

Enter unseen and protected from potential assassins in the crowd
Exit discreetly after the games, avoiding the chaos of 50,000 people leaving at once
Visit the Ludus Magnus—the prestigious gladiator training school next door—to inspect his "performers" before the show

Think of it as the Roman equivalent of a backstage pass, except instead of meeting rock stars, you might run into a blood-soaked gladiator preparing for mortal combat.

Commodus: The Emperor Who Gave the Passage Its Name (And Its Darkness)

If you've seen Ridley Scott's 2000 blockbuster Gladiator , you know Commodus as the villain—the paranoid, power-hungry emperor brilliantly played by Joaquin Phoenix. Hollywood took creative liberties (as always), but the real Commodus was, if anything, stranger and more disturbing than his cinematic counterpart.

The "Hercules" Complex

Lucius Aurelius Commodus ruled from 177 to 192 AD, and by all accounts, he was... unconventional. While previous emperors presented themselves as dignified statesmen, Commodus decided he was the reincarnation of Hercules. He dressed in lion skins, carried a club, and genuinely believed he was a demigod.

But his true obsession? Gladiatorial combat.

Unlike other emperors who watched from the safety of their box, Commodus insisted on fighting in the arena himself. Historian Cassius Dio recorded that Commodus fought hundreds of times, often against handicapped opponents or defenseless animals to guarantee his "victories."

⚔️ The Ostrich Incident

In one infamous spectacle, Commodus decapitated an ostrich in the arena, then walked over to the Roman Senate's section holding the severed head and his bloody sword—a not-so-subtle threat. "You're next," his gesture said. The senators, according to Cassius Dio, wanted to laugh at the absurdity but were too terrified. Some bit their laurel wreaths to stifle their reactions.

Why This Passage Bears His Name

When French excavators rediscovered the tunnel in the 1810s under architect Carlo Lucangeli, they named it after Commodus for a chilling reason: historical chronicles suggest he survived an assassination attempt in a similar underground passage.

But here's the twist—he didn't escape death forever. In 192 AD, after a reign marked by paranoia, excess, and delusion, Commodus was finally assassinated. The conspirators? His own inner circle, including his mistress and his wrestling coach (who actually strangled him to death in his bath).

Some historians believe the passage played a role in the intrigue surrounding his final days. After all, what better place for conspiracy than a secret tunnel where no one could overhear?

What You'll See: Inside the Restored Passage

After a meticulous 12-month restoration (October 2024 to September 2025), the Commodus Passage has been transformed from a dark, crumbling ruin into an atmospheric journey through time.

The Architecture and Decorations

As you descend into the tunnel, you'll notice:

S-shaped corridor: The passage curves in an S-pattern, originally extending beyond the Colosseum's perimeter (though archaeologists still don't know exactly where it ended)
Restored stucco and plaster: The walls once featured elaborate decorations—pastoral landscapes, marble cladding, and ornate frescoes fit for imperial eyes
Vaulted ceilings: Parts of the collapsed vault have been reconstructed, giving you a sense of the original grandeur
Light wells: Small openings in the vault once allowed natural light to filter in—now recreated with modern lighting that mimics ancient conditions

💡 The Modern Experience

The restoration includes cutting-edge technology:

Virtual reconstruction: Digital overlays show how the passage looked with its original marble and frescoes
Accessible design: A retractable staircase and new walkway ensure visitors with mobility challenges can experience the passage
Tactile map: A touchable 3D map reproduces the stucco decorations for visually impaired visitors
Glass viewing wall: At the tunnel's end, you can watch conservators continuing restoration work in real-time—conservation as performance art

The Atmosphere

What strikes visitors most isn't the architecture—it's the feeling . Standing in that cool, dimly lit corridor, surrounded by 2,000-year-old stone, you're not just looking at history. You're inside it. The acoustics amplify every whisper, every footstep. It's easy to imagine the rustle of imperial robes, the nervous breathing of an emperor who knew enemies lurked around every corner.

Tour guides often pause at certain points to let the silence sink in. In those moments, the Colosseum above feels a million miles away, and you're alone with the ghosts of Rome.

How to Visit the Commodus Passage in 2025

Ready to walk in the footsteps of emperors? Here's everything you need to know:

🎫 Essential Information

Opening Days: Mondays & Wednesdays only

Hours: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Duration: 25 minutes guided tour

Group Size: Maximum 8 people

Languages:

Italian at 2:00 PM
English at 3:00 PM
Spanish at 1:00 PM

Entry Point: Piazza del Colosseo (Valadier spur)

Booking Your Visit

Official tickets are only available through the Colosseum Archaeological Park website at ticketing.colosseo.it. Beware of third-party resellers charging inflated prices.

Due to the limited capacity (only 8 people per tour, twice a day, two days a week), slots fill up extremely fast —often within hours of becoming available 30 days before the visit date.

What Tours Include Access?

Currently, the Commodus Passage requires a separate ticket and cannot be added to standard Colosseum tours. However, some specialized tour operators are beginning to offer packages that combine:

Skip-the-line Colosseum entry
Arena floor access
Underground chambers
Commodus Passage experience

These premium tours offer the most comprehensive Colosseum experience—seeing the arena from every possible perspective: as a spectator (upper levels), as a gladiator (arena floor), as a prisoner (underground), and as an emperor (secret passage).

💰 Pro Tip: Skip the Rush

If you can't snag individual Commodus Passage tickets, booking a specialized private tour is often easier. Tour operators have allocated slots and can bundle the passage with other restricted areas you'd struggle to book independently.

Beyond the Passage: The Colosseum's Other Secrets

The Commodus Passage is just one of many hidden areas within the Colosseum that challenge the "what you see is what you get" assumption.

The Hypogeum (Underground Chambers)

Beneath the arena floor lies a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers where gladiators, wild animals, and condemned prisoners waited before being hoisted into the arena through trap doors. The hypogeum was the "backstage" of death—a network of elevators, ramps, and cages that made the Colosseum's spectacles possible.

The Arena Floor

Walking on the reconstructed arena floor is surreal. You're standing where gladiators fought, where Christians may have faced lions, where the fate of thousands was decided by a thumb's direction. The roar of the crowd is gone, replaced by clicking cameras, but the weight of history is palpable.

The Ludus Magnus Connection

Recent research suggests the Commodus Passage may have extended all the way to the Ludus Magnus —the Great Gladiatorial Training School located just 100 meters east of the Colosseum. This would have allowed emperors to inspect gladiators before the games, perhaps even placing bets on their favorites.

Excavations continue, and archaeologists hope to fully map the passage's original route in coming years. Who knows what else they'll find?

The Gladiator II Connection: Perfect Timing

The timing of the Commodus Passage opening couldn't be better. In November 2024, Gladiator II hits theaters—Ridley Scott's long-awaited sequel starring Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and yes, references to the infamous Commodus.

The film's release has reignited worldwide fascination with the Colosseum, gladiators, and Imperial Rome. Suddenly, everyone wants to walk where Maximus walked (or at least where Russell Crowe pretended to walk). The Commodus Passage offers something even Hollywood can't replicate: the real thing.

Tour operators report a surge in bookings from movie fans wanting to experience "authentic gladiator Rome." The passage has become a pilgrimage site for cinema lovers and history buffs alike.

Why This Matters: More Than Just Tourism

The opening of the Commodus Passage represents something bigger than a new tourist attraction. It's a statement about accessibility and preservation.

For centuries, archaeology was the domain of scholars and the elite. The "important stuff" stayed behind locked doors, available only to academics with the right credentials. But projects like this flip that script: history belongs to everyone.

Massimo Osanna, Director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, emphasized this in the opening ceremony: "The Commodus Passage will not only be a place open to all thanks to innovative devices that break down architectural barriers, but also a living laboratory where visitors can observe restoration work in progress."

Imagine seeing conservators gently cleaning 2,000-year-old frescoes, brushstroke by brushstroke, through the glass wall at the tunnel's end. It's conservation as storytelling, making preservation visible and valued.

Planning Your Visit: Complete Guide

Best Time to Visit

October-March: Fewer tourists, cooler temperatures, and shorter waits for other Colosseum attractions
Weekdays: Since the passage only opens Mondays and Wednesdays, these are your only options—but they're also typically less crowded than weekends for the rest of the Colosseum
Early booking: Set a calendar reminder for 30 days before your desired visit date and book the moment tickets go live

What to Bring

Valid ID: Tickets are nominative (name-specific) and you'll need to show identification
Comfortable shoes: The tunnel floor is uneven ancient stone—heels are a terrible idea
Light jacket: Underground Rome is significantly cooler than street level, even in summer
Camera: Photography is allowed and encouraged
Sense of wonder: Essential equipment for time travel

What to Skip

Large bags: Security screening applies to all Colosseum areas
Claustrophobia concerns: If tight spaces make you anxious, the 180-foot tunnel might feel long
Rush mentality: The 25-minute tour moves at a measured pace—don't expect to breeze through

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Commodus Passage cost?

The passage requires a special ticket in addition to regular Colosseum admission. Pricing varies by season and booking type. Check the official Colosseum Archaeological Park website for current rates. Expect to pay a premium for this exclusive experience.

Can I visit without a guide?

No. Due to preservation concerns and the passage's restricted nature, all visits are guided. Tours last exactly 25 minutes and are led by trained archaeological educators.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes! The restoration included a retractable staircase and accessible pathways specifically to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges. This was funded by the EU's NextGenerationEU program.

Can children visit?

Absolutely. There's no age restriction, though the historical content may be more engaging for older children (10+). The stories of gladiators and emperors usually captivate young imaginations.

How far in advance should I book?

As soon as humanly possible—ideally the moment tickets become available 30 days before your visit. Slots for the passage sell out within hours, sometimes minutes. Set phone reminders!

What if it's sold out for my dates?

Check back regularly for cancellations, or consider booking a specialized private tour through a licensed operator who may have reserved slots. These tours bundle multiple restricted areas and, while more expensive, offer guaranteed access.

Is photography allowed?

Yes! Unlike some restricted archaeological sites, the Commodus Passage welcomes photography. No flash, please—both for preservation and because the atmospheric lighting is perfect as-is.

What's the temperature inside?

Underground areas of the Colosseum stay around 55-60°F (13-16°C) year-round. Bring a light jacket even on hot summer days.

Will it stay open permanently?

The current schedule (Mondays and Wednesdays) is provisional. The Archaeological Park is monitoring visitor impact and may expand hours if the passage withstands the traffic. Future phases of restoration may also open additional sections.

Can I combine this with other underground areas?

Some specialized tours offer packages combining the Commodus Passage with the hypogeum (underground chambers) and arena floor. These comprehensive experiences are the ultimate Colosseum deep dive.

Final Thoughts: Walking With Ghosts

There's something profound about standing in a place where history's most powerful—and paranoid—men once walked. The Commodus Passage isn't just a tunnel; it's a portal into the psychology of empire.

Every emperor who used this passage understood a fundamental truth: absolute power requires absolute separation. You can't rule the known world while rubbing shoulders with common citizens. You can't project divine authority while waiting in line for your seat. You need distance, mystery, and yes—secret passages.

But here's the beautiful irony: 2,000 years later, that exclusivity is gone. The passage built to separate emperors from the masses now welcomes those very masses. The tunnel designed for imperial secrecy is flooded with smartphone flashlights and tourist selfies.

Commodus wanted to be remembered as Hercules, a god among men. Instead, he's remembered as a cautionary tale—a ruler so disconnected from reality that he retreated into fantasy, performance, and ultimately, assassination.

The passage remains. The empire doesn't.

And that, perhaps, is the real lesson waiting in the cool darkness beneath the Colosseum: stone outlasts power . The tunnels we dig—literal and metaphorical—remain long after we're gone.

Walk through the Commodus Passage, and you're not just seeing where an emperor walked. You're seeing proof that nothing—not even imperial might—lasts forever.

Except, maybe, really good architecture.

Ready to Experience the Commodus Passage?

Book your exclusive Colosseum tour today and walk through history in the emperor's footsteps. Our expert guides bring the passage's secrets to life, combining archaeological facts with the captivating stories that make Roman history unforgettable.

Limited availability. Skip-the-line access. Small groups only.

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