After a successful debut last year, the Colosseum's enchanting night tours are making their highly anticipated return for the summer 2025 season. Starting in June, visitors will once again have the opportunity to experience Rome's most iconic monument under the stars, exploring areas typically closed to daytime visitors. The special evening access program offers a dramatically different perspective of the ancient amphitheater, with atmospheric lighting illuminating the 2,000-year-old structure and creating shadows that bring the monument's storied past to life.

Tours run from 8:00 PM to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer months, with extended weekend availability during peak season in July and August. What makes these night tours particularly special is the exclusive access to the underground hypogeum—the network of tunnels and chambers where gladiators and wild animals once waited before their dramatic entrances into the arena. The twilight atmosphere adds an extra layer of mystery to these subterranean passages, making it easier to imagine the anticipation and fear that must have permeated these spaces two millennia ago. The experience also includes access to the arena floor itself, where visitors can stand where gladiators once fought, now bathed in carefully designed lighting that highlights the Colosseum's architectural magnificence. Expert archaeologists and historians lead small groups of no more than 25 people, ensuring an intimate experience with plenty of opportunities for questions and detailed explanations. Tickets for the summer night tours are priced at €32 per person (€22 for EU citizens aged 18-25), significantly higher than standard admission but including the specialized guide service and exclusive after-hours access. Advance booking is essential, as these tours typically sell out weeks in advance. The program has been developed in partnership with the Colosseum Archaeological Park and represents part of Rome's broader initiative to enhance visitor experiences while managing daytime crowds at the city's most popular monuments. For photography enthusiasts, the night tours offer unparalleled opportunities to capture the Colosseum without the usual crowds. The management permits non-flash photography throughout the tour, and the dramatic lighting creates conditions perfect for memorable shots. Many visitors report that experiencing the monument at night, when the summer heat has dissipated and the atmosphere is cooler and calmer, makes for a profoundly moving encounter with ancient history. Bookings open on April 1st through the official Colosseum website and authorized tour operators. Given the overwhelming demand in previous seasons, tourism officials recommend securing tickets as early as possible, particularly for weekend slots during July and August.