Rome's famous Colosseum is about to reveal one of its secrets to the world for the first time: a hidden passageway for emperors, called the "Commode Passage," will open to tourist visits starting October 27, 2025.
This tunnel led directly to a private viewing box in the Colosseum, protecting Roman emperors from the crowds and potential assassins.
The passage gets its name from the famous and infamous Emperor Commodus. He participated in games as a gladiator and fought beasts right in the Colosseum. Furthermore, the passage itself is rich in historical decorations—its walls depict scenes of wild animal hunts and animal fights.
Archaeologists rediscovered this passageway in the early 19th century, but it was only restored and made ready for tourists in 2024. Rome's architects strived to preserve the passage in its original state: modern lighting and a safe walkway have been added, but the rest remains almost as it was 2000 years ago.
According to architect Barbara Nazzaro, who led the restoration, visitors can now experience the "feeling of entering the Colosseum like an emperor." Through virtual restoration work, the paintings and patterns on the passage walls, as well as marble decorations, are clearly visible.
For history lovers and those curious about the secrets of ancient Rome, this is a unique opportunity, offering a chance to see with their own eyes how the ancient emperors lived.
