Colosseum’s Hidden Passage of Roman Emperors Revealed for the First Time

Interior arcades of the Colosseum successful Rome. Credit: Russell Yarwood / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0

A concealed underground corridor erstwhile reserved for Rome’s emperors has opened to the nationalist for the archetypal time. Known arsenic the “Passage of Commodus,” the vaulted walkway laic hidden beneath the Colosseum for astir 2 millennia earlier being restored and unveiled by the Colosseum Archaeological Park.

Partially illuminated and ventilated done constrictive airy wells, the corridor offered a secluded way for the emperor to determination betwixt the pulvinar—the imperial container reserved for Rome’s elite—at the confederate extremity of the Colosseum’s shorter axis and the exterior of the monument.

The transition was not portion of the archetypal plan but was added later, astir the precocious archetypal oregon aboriginal 2nd period A.D., by cutting into the foundations of the Flavian Amphitheater.

A nexus to Emperor Commodus and a acheronian occurrence of Roman history

The transition takes its sanction from Emperor Commodus, who ruled from A.D. 180 to 192. According to the historiographer Cassius Dio, Commodus—known for his obsession with gladiatorial combat—was attacked by a conspirator successful a hidden portion of the Colosseum.

Historians judge that the country could person been connected to this corridor, which allowed the emperor to scope his backstage container unseen by the public.

A backstage abstraction reserved for the emperor

In imperial times, the transition served arsenic a backstage entranceway for the emperor and his entourage, concealed from the thousands who filled the arena stands. Now, visitors tin yet research this underground route, revealing some the architectural accomplishment of past Rome and the opulence of the imperial court.

Ancient artistry uncovered aft restoration

The restoration has uncovered singular decorative details. The walls, primitively faced with marble, inactive amusement the metallic clamps that erstwhile held the slabs successful spot earlier they were replaced by painted plaster depicting landscapes. The vaulted ceilings show elaborate stuccoes showing mythological scenes from the communicative of Dionysus and Ariadne.

Near the entrance, niches picture scenes from arena spectacles — including boar hunts, carnivore fights, and acrobatic shows — offering a vivid glimpse into the Colosseum’s amusement culture.

A caller lighting strategy designed by Francesca Storaro present recreates the earthy airy that erstwhile filtered done tiny vault openings, restoring the ambiance of the transition arsenic it mightiness person appeared successful antiquity.

A year-long restoration project

The restoration, carried retired betwixt October 2024 and September 2025, was led by archaeologist Dr. Federica Rinaldi and Architect Barbara Nazzaro, with backing from the Colosseum Archaeological Park. The task included structural conservation, restoration of stuccoes and plasters, reconstruction of a collapsed vault section, improved lighting, and installation of a caller walkway for visitors.

Alfonsina Russo, manager of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, said the reopening represents a important measurement toward accessibility and knowing of the monument’s hidden architecture. The existent way spans astir 40 meters (131 feet) and volition yet widen to 55 meters (180 feet). She added that tiny groups of up to 8 visitors volition beryllium allowed wrong astatine a time.

Opening to the nationalist aboriginal this year

The recently restored transition volition beryllium unfastened to visitors with the “Full Experience” ticket, disposable from the extremity of October 2025.

The unveiling of the Passage of Commodus not lone reopens a forgotten abstraction of imperial Rome but besides reflects Italy’s broader committedness to blending preservation, innovation, and accessibility for aboriginal generations.