Italy Opens Hidden “Commodus Passage” at the Colosseum to the Public for the First Time

In an exciting development for history fans, Italy has opened the “Commodus Passage,” a secret underground corridor that was once only for Roman emperors, to the public for the first time. The Italian Culture Ministry announced this on Tuesday, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to make the Colosseum’s ancient infrastructure more accessible and engaging for visitors.

The newly restored passage, named after Emperor Commodus, connects the Colosseum’s underground arena to the nearby Ludus Magnus, the main training school for gladiators. Archaeologists say this corridor let emperors move between the imperial palace and the amphitheatre without being seen by the public.

“This project shows another layer of how the Colosseum operated during the height of the Roman Empire,” said Alfonsina Russo, director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park. “Visitors can now see how emperors once entered the amphitheatre through a route filled with history and power.”

The restoration, which lasted several years, received support from the Italian government and heritage conservation experts. Virtual reconstructions have also been added to the exhibit, helping visitors visualize the grandeur of the original structure, from the emperor’s private access points to the underground chambers where gladiators once prepared for battle.

The Colosseum, one of the most visited landmarks in the world, continues to expand its cultural and educational offerings through restoration projects. Previous initiatives included reopening its hypogeum, the underground staging area, and adding new multimedia tours aimed at immersing visitors in daily life during ancient Rome.

With the “Commodus Passage” now open, travelers and history lovers have a new reason to revisit the Eternal City and walk in the footsteps of emperors who once ruled an empire from these same stones.