When people go to Rome, one of the major attractions that they want to experience is the Colosseum. This huge amphitheater is one of the world’s most iconic monuments, but different tickets will bring access to different areas of the Colosseum, such as the Colosseum Underground or the Arena Floor. So what is the difference between these two and why would one want to include this in their itinerary?
What Is the Colosseum Arena Floor?
When most people think about the Colosseum, they are picturing the arena floor (or what people will often just call the arena). When people have access to the arena floor, they can stand on the reconstructed floor of where the gladiators stood and watched as up to thousands of people attended events.
Access to the arena floor typically comes in the form of specific tours or ticket categories. This is one of the most popular and sought-after options for people.
What Is the Colosseum Underground?
The underground portion of the Colosseum is what many people do not see when they visit. There are tunnels underneath the arena where gladiators actually waited and prepared themselves for going into battle.
Access here is also much more limited, and people might be part of guided tours, small groups, and so on.
Colosseum Arena Floor vs. Colosseum Underground
When you break it down, there are several differences between these two parts of the Colosseum:
- The arena floor was where all the action happened.
- The underground was where gladiators hung out before and after battling.
- The arena floor has more open spaces and is outdoors
- The underground area is indoor
- The arena has views of the entire Colosseum structure
- The underground has architecture-focused sights
- The arena floor is a popular place for photos, thanks tothe wide panoramic views
- The underground is quieter and less crowded.
- Arena access might be quicker or more affordable compared to the underground, but this depends on what kind of tickets or tours people book.
- People typically have access to these locations with guided tours or tickets.
- Some tours will feature access to both locations as part of one experience.
Which Option Is Better?
There is no easy answer because it depends on personal preference. People love seeing the open arena floor because that is what many people picture when they think about the Colosseum. However, some prefer to see a lesser-known part of this historic building in terms of the underground and how it operated during Ancient Roman times.
There are some tours that feature both options, so that might be an ideal option for those that want a full experience.
Final Thoughts
The difference between these two points at the Colosseum is more about perspective. People may want to stand in the middle of where all the action happened during Ancient Roman times or see where it all happened behind the scenes.
The key to remembering about these two different locations is that when you’re trying to see the Colosseum at its best, understanding what these two different perspectives mean will help you appreciate it once you get there!
If you want better clarity on tours or ticket options for these two areas, consider checking out thecolosseum-tickets.com to see what’s available!