A Night at the Colosseum
Edition 2026 Storytelling Science Heritage

A Night at the Colosseum

Evening guided tours of the Flavian Amphitheatre, from the arena to the underground

Roma — Roma (258)
Dates 14 Jul — 26 Nov 2026
Location Roma (258)
Prices —
Status Confirmed

About A Night at the Colosseum

Every summer and autumn, the Colosseum Archaeological Park opens its gates after sunset for A Night at the Colosseum, a series of extraordinary evening openings in the heart of Rome. In the silence of the night, small groups accompanied by a guide explore the first tier of the monument, the arena floor, and the underground chambers, where the stage machinery for ancient spectacles was once housed. An intimate and evocative experience to rediscover the Flavian Amphitheatre away from the daytime crowds, with your gaze fixed on the illuminated cavea and the night sky.

The Colosseum after sunset

A Night at the Colosseum is the program of extraordinary evening openings promoted by the Colosseum Archaeological Park in the center of Rome, the capital of the Lazio region. When the monument closes to the daytime tourist flow, the Flavian Amphitheatre transforms: small groups, accompanied by a guide, traverse the spaces of this quintessential symbol of the Eternal City in a quiet, intimate atmosphere, with the cavea glowing under the starry sky.

The tour route

The itinerary, lasting approximately 60 minutes, begins at the North Arch, once the main entrance reserved for the Emperor, still decorated with traces of stucco. From here, the route continues along the first tier of the monument before reaching the arena floor, which offers a panoramic view of the entire cavea. Finally, the tour descends into the underground chambers, the labyrinth of corridors and rooms where men, animals, and stage machinery once moved, and where the permanent exhibition Spectacles in the Colosseum Arena: The Protagonists is housed.

The story of ancient spectacles

The central theme of the visit is the perspective of the spectators and the protagonists of the shows that once animated the amphitheatre: the venationes, the great hunts with exotic animals, and the munera, the gladiatorial combats. The narrative, curated with scientific rigor by the Park's staff, brings to life the daily routine of the most famous performance venue of antiquity, exploring the rituals, machinery, and passions of an audience of tens of thousands.

Small groups and booking

The tours are limited to a maximum of 25 participants per slot, ensuring a curated and personalized experience. Booking is mandatory, and tickets can be purchased exclusively on the official Colosseum website starting seven days before the chosen date. The evening format makes A Night at the Colosseum one of the most sought-after cultural experiences on the Roman calendar.

An experience in the heart of Rome

Visiting the Flavian Amphitheatre at night means rediscovering the familiar daytime itinerary in a new light: the milder temperature, the grazing light, and the absence of crowds transform the visit into a moment of authentic reflection. For those staying in the Capital, it is an opportunity to experience the Colosseum with fresh eyes, immersed in the thousand-year history of Rome and Lazio.

A Night at the Colosseum — edition 2026

The 2026 edition of A Night at the Colosseum takes place from July 14 to November 26, 2026, every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with the last entry at 9:50 PM. The evening guided tours, lasting about 60 minutes, accompany groups of up to 25 people along the first tier, the arena floor, and the underground of the Flavian Amphitheatre.

A Night at the Colosseum 2026

From July 14 to November 26, 2026, the Colosseum Archaeological Park brings back its popular evening openings. Tours are held every Tuesday and Thursday, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with the last entry at 9:50 PM. Each slot, lasting about 60 minutes, is reserved for a maximum of 25 participants and leads from the North Arch to the first tier, the arena floor, and the underground chambers, featuring the permanent exhibition Spectacles in the Colosseum Arena: The Protagonists.

Programme A Night at the Colosseum 2026

2026 Evening Tour Program

  • Period: July 14 to November 26, 2026
  • Days and times: every Tuesday and Thursday, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM (last entry 9:50 PM)
  • Duration: approx. 60 minutes per guided tour
  • Route: North Arch (imperial entrance), first tier, arena floor, and underground
  • Exhibition: permanent exhibition "Spectacles in the Colosseum Arena: The Protagonists" in the underground
  • Capacity: maximum 25 people per slot, mandatory booking

Highlights A Night at the Colosseum 2026

  • The Colosseum visited at night, away from daytime crowds
  • Access to the arena floor with a full view of the cavea
  • Descent into the underground, through corridors and ancient stage machinery
  • Stories of the venationes and munera from the perspective of spectators and protagonists
  • Small groups of up to 25 people accompanied by a guide

Prices A Night at the Colosseum 2026

<p>Full price ticket €50 (Full Experience €24 + guided tour €26); reduced €28 (Full Experience €2 + guided tour €26); free for children under 6. Mandatory booking, tickets sold only on the official website colosseo.it starting seven days before the chosen date.</p>

Practical information — A Night at the Colosseum

How to get there

The Colosseum is served by the Colosseum (Line B) metro station, located directly in front of the monument's entrance. Numerous bus and tram lines (line 3) stop in the immediate vicinity. Those arriving by train at Roma Termini station can reach the site in a few minutes via the Metro B line.

Tickets and booking

Limited entry (maximum 25 people per slot), with mandatory booking. Tickets are sold exclusively on the official website colosseo.it, starting seven days before the chosen date. Full price ticket €50, reduced €28, free for children under 6.

Practical tips

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking on ancient surfaces and arriving a few minutes before your scheduled time slot. The last entry is scheduled shortly before the evening closing time.

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Where does it take place — A Night at the Colosseum

Anfiteatro Flavio (Colosseo)

Piazza del Colosseo 1, 00184 Roma

Contact A Night at the Colosseum

Tel
+39 06 6998 4469

A Night at the Colosseum in brief

Storytelling Science Heritage History Archaeology Outdoor Night International Roma

History of A Night at the Colosseum