The Colosseum is one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions, drawing crowds with its two major highlights: the Underground area (Hypogeum) and the Arena Floor.
However, as the attraction has two major highlights, people always get confused when deciding which one to visit or which one is better.
If you, too, are facing a similar situation and are confused about which one to explore, we are here to help.
Let us compare the Colosseum Underground vs. Arena Floor from different perspectives to determine which is better!
Difference between the Colosseum Underground and Arena
The Underground and Arena were part of the Roman Colosseum‘s original construction under Flavian emperors’ leadership during the 1st century AD.
However, the two have several differences, including their location, structures and even purposes.
The Underground is a complex network of tunnels and chambers, while the arena has a wooden floor.
The archaeologists removed the wooden flooring of the Arena during the restoration efforts.
Colosseum Arena Floor vs. Underground – Location
The Arena Floor was located in the Colosseum’s center and measured around 83 by 48 meters.
The underground, popularly known as the Hypogeum, is located right beneath the Arena Floor.
Colosseum Arena Floor vs. Underground- Tickets and Accessibility
The Arena Floor is usually not included in the Colosseum standard admission tickets.
However, visitors can easily upgrade their Colosseum Skip The Line Ticket by choosing the Arena Floor option when booking to access the Arena Floor at the Colosseum.
Meanwhile, visitors need Colosseum Tickets with Underground Access to explore the Underground or the Hypogeum.
Underground and Arena Floor Accessibility
Accessing the Underground and Arena Floor can be challenging for visitors with limited or no mobility, as reaching both these parts requires a lot of walking and the use of stairs.
Due to this factor, accessibility is highly restricted for both the Arena Floor and Underground at the Colosseum, including for visitors in wheelchairs.
Colosseum Arena Floor vs. Underground- Structure and Appearance
The Colosseum’s Arena Floor was filled with layers of sand, and a wall separated it from the spectators.
In fact, it is named after the Etruscan word Arena, which means sand in English. The gladiators fought on the surface of the sand of the Arena Floor.
The Colosseum’s Underground, or the Hypogeum, featured a vast central passage along the major axis and 12 curvilinear corridors.
The corridors also had freight elevators that helped raise animals and machinery to the Arena Floor.
The remains of the elevators were dug out during excavation and are still visible at the Colosseum.
Colosseum Arena Floor vs. Underground- Purpose
One of the most significant aspects of the Underground vs. Arena Floor discussion is the purposes they were meant to serve.
The Colosseum’s Arena was the stage for gladiatorial games and other activities like dramatic enactments.
On the other hand, the Underground of the Colosseum was used to house animals, gladiators, and stage equipment before being raised in the Arena through elevators and trap doors.
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Colosseum Arena Floor vs. Underground- Our Recommendation
We recommend that you visit both the Arena Floor and the Underground since both are parts of the same attraction and serve significant purposes.
The Underground and the Arena offer unique and distinct experiences and perspectives, so visiting both is the best idea!
However, which one you can visit depends on several other factors, including your budget, preferences, and, most importantly, ticket availability.
FAQs
Is the Colosseum Arena Floor and Underground the same?
The Colosseum’s Arena Floor and Underground are two different parts of the same attraction, the Rome Colosseum.
The Arena Floor is a newly reconstructed area just above the Underground that provides a unique view of the Hypogeum, where the gladiators fought.
Is the Colosseum’s Arena worth visiting?
The Arena Floor in the Colosseum is worth visiting as it gives you an insight into the rich history of the Colosseum and its events.
The Arena Floor is among the most preferred vantage points for visitors to the Colosseum.
Is the Underground at the Colosseum worth exploring?
The Colosseum’s Underground is a must-visit when exploring the Roman world wonder as it gives you an idea about the fatal fights there.
Apart from being a window to the past, the Underground also gives you insight into the construction of those times with the freight elevators and chambers still existing.
What is the difference between the Colosseum Underground and the Arena?
The Arena Floor is at the center of the Colosseum, whereas the Underground is located underneath the Arena Floor.
Can I visit the Colosseum Underground on my own?
Individual entry to the Underground is prohibited, and interested visitors must book a Colosseum Guided Tour with Underground Access to explore it.
Does the Colosseum’s Underground and Arena Floor have separate opening hours?
The Underground and the Arena Floor have the same opening hours as the Colosseum, between 8.30 am and 7.15 pm throughout the week.
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