At the end of June, the tunnel area under the Colosseum was officially opened to welcome visitors. This is known to be the result of the second phase of the project to restore the site.
This little-known ancient system consists of huge vaulted rooms and passages, believed to house gladiators, prisoners, and wild animals. This is also the place where the preparations for the matches take place.
Visitors can now visit the tunnel system under the Colosseum (Image: Lonely Planet)
From 80 to 523 AD – the year of the last match, the public was forbidden to access the area below the stage. It was not until 2010 that visitors had the opportunity to pass through this mysterious area through a newly discovered small passage. By 2018, a major restoration project was started and visitors had the opportunity to visit a very small part, only about 160 meters long, of the whole building.
Part of the tunnel system (Image: Lonely Planet)
The recent opening to visitors is the result of the second phase of the relic restoration project. The project involved the help of advanced technology to replace severely damaged parts in the tunnel system, while protecting it from the negative effects of the weather.
It is expected that in 2023 when this restoration is completed, large-scale art performances and concerts can take place in this historic space, giving visitors the opportunity to mingle. into the ancient, majestic atmosphere of the Colosseum thousands of years ago
