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

A secret underground corridor once reserved for Rome’s emperors has opened to the public for the first time. Known as the “Passage of Commodus,” the vaulted walkway lay hidden beneath the Colosseum for nearly two millennia before being restored and unveiled by the Colosseum Archaeological Park.

Partially illuminated and ventilated through narrow light wells, the corridor offered a secluded route for the emperor to move between the pulvinar—the imperial box reserved for Rome’s elite—at the southern end of the Colosseum’s shorter axis and the exterior of the monument.

The passage was not part of the original design but was added later, around the late first or early second century A.D., by cutting into the foundations of the Flavian Amphitheater.

A link to Emperor Commodus and a dark episode of Roman history

The passage takes its name from Emperor Commodus, who ruled from A.D. 180 to 192. According to the historian Cassius Dio, Commodus—known for his obsession with gladiatorial combat—was attacked by a conspirator in a hidden part of the Colosseum.

Historians believe that the area could have been connected to this corridor, which allowed the emperor to reach his private box unseen by the public.

A private space reserved for the emperor

In imperial times, the passage served as a private entrance for the emperor and his entourage, concealed from the thousands who filled the arena stands. Now, visitors can finally explore this underground route, revealing both the architectural skill of ancient Rome and the opulence of the imperial court.

Ancient artistry uncovered after restoration

The restoration has uncovered remarkable decorative details. The walls, originally faced with marble, still show the metal clamps that once held the slabs in place before they were replaced by painted plaster depicting landscapes. The vaulted ceilings display elaborate stuccoes showing mythological scenes from the story of Dionysus and Ariadne.

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

A new lighting system designed by Francesca Storaro now recreates the natural light that once filtered through small vault openings, restoring the atmosphere of the passage as it might have appeared in antiquity.

A year-long restoration project

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

Alfonsina Russo, director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, said the reopening represents a significant step toward accessibility and understanding of the monument’s hidden architecture. The current route spans about 40 meters (131 feet) and will eventually extend to 55 meters (180 feet). She added that small groups of up to eight visitors will be allowed inside at a time.

Opening to the public later this year

The newly restored passage will be open to visitors with the “Full Experience” ticket, available from the end of October 2025.

The unveiling of the Passage of Commodus not only reopens a forgotten space of imperial Rome but also reflects Italy’s broader commitment to blending preservation, innovation, and accessibility for future generations.