Piazza Navona Underground & The Stadium of Domitian: Exclusive Tour

Piazza Navona Underground Stadium of Domitian Tour

Descend beneath Rome's famous Piazza Navona to discover the Stadium of Domitian, a remarkably preserved ancient Roman stadium that lies hidden beneath the modern square. This exclusive underground tour takes you through the archaeological remains of Emperor Domitian's 1st-century stadium, where Romans once gathered for athletic competitions and games. The excavated sections reveal the original structure that determined the distinctive oval shape of today's Piazza Navona above.

Your one-hour exploration grants access to restricted areas managed by the École Française, showcasing newly restored sections of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk through the subterranean corridors and examine the impressive stonework, ancient Roman mosaics, and architectural details that survived centuries buried beneath the city. The audio guide provides historical context about the emperors, athletes, and citizens who once filled these spaces.

What is Included

• Entry to the underground Stadium of Domitian beneath Piazza Navona
• Access to restored archaeological areas managed by École Française
• Multilingual audio guide for adults and children
• One hour to explore the underground site
• Photography opportunities of archaeological features and Roman mosaics

Good to Know

The tour lasts one hour and you should arrive a few minutes before your reserved time slot. Audio guides are available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Bring your own headphones for the best experience, though headsets can be rented onsite for a small additional fee. There's a special children's audio guide to keep younger visitors engaged.

The underground site is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven surfaces and steps throughout the archaeological areas. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as paths can be uneven. The temperature underground remains cool year-round, so consider bringing a light jacket.

While exploring the Stadium of Domitian, you'll gain insight into ancient Roman entertainment and daily life. For a broader perspective on Roman history, consider combining your visit with the Colosseum Underground tour or the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill experience to see how Romans lived and played across different areas of the ancient city.