Rome’s Colosseum to open secret imperial passage to vistors

Rome’s Colosseum opens the Commodus Passage to the public on October 27, marking the first time in nearly 2,000 years that visitors can walk through the secret imperial corridor once used by Roman emperors.
The S-shaped underground tunnel allowed emperors to reach their reserved honor box unseen and protected, gaining notoriety when Emperor Commodus survived an assassination attempt there between 180 and 192 CE.
The passage, added to the Colosseum between the late first and early second centuries CE, features decorative remnants including depictions of boar hunts, bear fights, and acrobatic performances near its entrance.
A year-long restoration project completed between October 2024 and September 2025 revealed marble-lined walls, elaborate stuccoes depicting mythological scenes, and installed new lighting systems that recreate ancient natural light.
Small guided groups will access the passage through special tickets, while a second restoration project planned for early 2026 will explore the tunnel section extending beyond the Colosseum’s perimeter.

For the first time in nearly two millennia, Rome’s Colosseum has opened its once-secret imperial passage to the public, offering tourists an unprecedented opportunity to walk in the footsteps of ancient Roman emperors. The so-called Commodus Passage, which opens to visitors on October 27, marks a milestone in archaeological preservation and provides a rare glimpse into the hidden world of imperial Rome.

A Hidden Pathway to Power

The S-shaped underground corridor allowed Roman emperors to enter the Colosseum unseen and protected from potential assassins, leading directly to their reserved imperial box overlooking the gladiatorial games. Named after Emperor Commodus, who ruled from 180 to 192 CE, the passage gained notoriety when the emperor survived an assassination attempt while traversing the tunnel, according to historical accounts by the Roman historian Cassius Dio.the-independent

The passage was not part of the Colosseum’s original design but was added between the late first and early second centuries CE by cutting through the amphitheater’s southern foundations. Archaeologists have discovered remnants of decorative elements at the entrance, including depictions of boar hunts, bear fights, and acrobatic performances that served as an artistic prelude to the brutal entertainments awaiting inside the arena.cnn

Imperial Luxury Restored

The year-long restoration project, completed between October 2024 and September 2025, has revealed remarkable details of ancient Roman craftsmanship. According to Barbara Nazzaro, the architect who oversaw the restoration, “Visitors can now have a taste of what it was like to be an emperor entering the arena. With a little effort of imagination and the help of a virtual reconstruction, they can appreciate the decorations, stuccoes, frescoes and marbles that covered the walls”.the-independent

The walls, originally clad in marble, still show metal clamps that once held the slabs in place before being replaced with painted plaster depicting landscapes. The vaulted ceilings display elaborate stuccoes showing mythological scenes from the story of Dionysus and Ariadne. A new lighting system recreates the natural light that once filtered through small vault openings, while digital reconstructions help visitors visualize the passage’s original splendor.apnews

The Commodus Passage will be accessible through the Colosseum’s “Full Experience” ticket, with small guided groups limited to ensure an intimate experience. A second restoration project is planned for early 2026 to explore the section of the tunnel extending beyond the Colosseum’s perimeter, though its final destination remains unknown.sfgate