Under Piazza Navona - The Stadium of Domitian

Under the surface of Piazza Navona hides the Stadium of Domitian, a real hidden treasure that remains out of sight despite its enormous historical value. This place, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, was the first Roman construction to host gladiatorial tournaments and athletic competitions. With your skip-the-line ticket you can enter this fascinating subway space accompanied by an audio guide, perfect for both sports fans and those who enjoy exploring the past. It's amazing to think that, just below the hustle and bustle of Piazza Navona, lies a building from ancient Rome with such a vibrant past. The Stadium of Domitian - also known as the Circus Agonalis - could hold up to 20,000 spectators eager to watch combat and athletic events. Regular events included gymnastic demonstrations by professional gymnasts, mostly Greeks, as well as races often involving women, among other competitions. The importance of these events was such that the names of champions have been found engraved on ancient tombs. Curiously, the prizes awarded in life were quite modest: a wreath of oak and olive leaves. Everything indicates that the athletes competed more for prestige and passion than for material rewards. The construction of the stadium was ordered by Emperor Titus around 80 AD, coinciding with the completion of the Colosseum. When the latter suffered a fire in 217, some of the gladiatorial fights were temporarily moved to the Stadium of Domitian. Today, this ancient epicenter of Roman entertainment lying beneath the modern urban fabric is a fascinating break from the traffic and crowds. Descending into its ruins is a truly worthwhile experience to understand another dimension of imperial Rome.