ROME — ROME (AP) — For the first time in nearly 2,000 years, visitors World famous Roman Colosseum You'll have the opportunity to walk through a hidden imperial passage that once allowed Roman emperors to enter the ancient amphitheater unnoticed.
The once-secret corridor known as Commodus's Passage, named after the Roman emperor, has become a pop icon. Ridley Scott's film “Gladiator” — will open to the public on October 27, marking a remarkable milestone in archaeological preservation and access.
Archaeologists from the Colosseum Archaeological Park explained that Roman emperors used this passage to enter the arena undetected and protected, leading them directly to a reserved honor box overlooking the games.
The passage was named after Emperor Commodus, who lived between 180 and 192 AD, when it was first discovered in the 1810s. Commodus was known for his passion for gladiatorial games, and the story goes that as he passed through a tunnel, someone tried to kill him, but failed.
At the entrance to the passage, archaeologists discovered the remains of decorative elements directly related to the spectacles in the arena, including images of boar hunting, bear fights and acrobatic performances. They noted that these artistic elements were a fitting prelude to the violent entertainment that lay ahead.
The corridor is shaped like the letter “S” and continues outside the Colosseum arena, but its final destination remains uncertain.
“Visitors can now feel what it was like to be the emperor walking into the arena,” said Barbara Nazzaro, the architect who led the restoration work. “With a little imagination and virtual reconstruction, they will be able to appreciate the decoration, stucco, frescoes and marble that cover the walls.”
The project, completed between October 2024 and September 2025, included conservation of the structure, restoration of decorative moldings and plaster, and installation of a new walkway.
A new lighting system recreates the natural light that once filtered through the small openings in the vault, while a digital reconstruction helps visitors visualize the original appearance of the passage.
The second restoration project, expected to begin in early 2026, will include a section of the tunnel extending beyond the Colosseum perimeter.
