Roman Colosseum Opens For Gladiator Combat Thanks To Airbnb Icons

A few lucky individuals will soon get the chance to have a once-in-a-lifetime Gladiator experience at the legendary Colosseum in Rome. For centuries, the Roman Colosseum has been the stage for epic battles and legendary gladiators. The latest offering from Airbnb Icons is the chance to discover if you have what it takes to conquer the arena inside the famed Colosseum and emerge victorious.

For the first time in nearly 2,000 years, and in celebration of Paramount Pictures’ Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II epic, the Colosseum returns to its original purpose as a venue for performances, inviting warrior recruits to step foot inside the arena to forge their own paths and shape their destinies.

According to Airbnb, “Guests will follow in the footsteps once traversed by victorious fighters, suit up in historically accurate armor, and test their skills to determine their battle fate. This is the dream of a lifetime to emerge triumphant and establish yourself as the ultimate gladiator, earning your place in history.”

Guests will also get to get an up-close view of the newly remodeled floor of the Colosseum which was removed by archaeologists in the 19th Century, revealing the huge maze of tunnels where gladiators and animals were held before the infamous blood battles began.

Airbnb recently introduced Icons, a new category of outrageous custom experiences hosted by big names in music, film, television, art, sports, and more. From an overnight stay at the Ferrari Museum to sleeping in Prince’s Purple Rain mansion, many previous listings were in truly iconic locations. They even recreated Shrek’s swamp in Scotland and an overnight in Barbie’s DreamHouse in Malibu

“Icons take you inside worlds that only existed in your imagination—until now,” said Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky. “As life becomes increasingly digital, we’re focused on bringing more magic into the real world. With Icons, we’ve created the most extraordinary experiences on Earth.”

About the Experience

Located at the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, guests can request to book one of two three-hour experiences from May 7 to 8, 2025. Each experience can accommodate up to 16 guests (8 guests and their +1).

As young warriors step foot inside the historic arena, here’s what the experience entails as described by Airbnb:

• After sunset, the patron will meet you at the Colosseum and lead you inside. Whether you emerge from this night victor or vanquished, know this – your eyes will embrace a sight not oft seen. The memory of the Colosseum aglimmer in candlelight will be yours.
• Descend into the hypogeum, the underground chambers where gladiators prepare for battle. There, you will don armor that most closely reflects your gladiator type, whether that be murmillo, thraex, provocator, retiarius, or contrarete. Choose wisely.

• Traverse the torch-lit, labyrinthine bowels of the Colosseum where Maximus and countless other warriors walked before you. Reflect on their fate and yours as you trace their historic steps.
• Savor the symphony of swords and shields as seasoned gladiators engage in a thrilling showdown for your benefit. You must study them – for your turn will soon follow.

• Enjoy a spread of victuals like grapes, pomegranates, almonds, and walnuts. You’re a gladiator, not an emperor. You cannot afford to be gluttonous. Overindulgence will dull your senses and slow your reflexes.
• Train in the art of gladiator combat and test your mettle as you face off against your fellow warriors. A summa rudis – your referee– will ultimately determine your fate. May you taste the sweetness of glory with infestus pollex and join the ranks of victorious gladiators since time immemorial.

How to Request to Book

Anyone ready to step into history can request to book the Colosseum for an exclusive gladiator experience starting November 27 at 6:00 AM PT at airbnb.com/gladiatormovie through December 9 at 11:59 PM PT when request periods close. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Rome, Italy, and there is no cost to register for the experience.

Check out the video below highlighting this amazing offering:

These special experiences at the Colosseum follow a series of measures and commitments by the Airbnb platform to revitalize heritage tourism in Europe, including donations to heritage across Europe for over ten million dollars. As part of this program, Airbnb is offering its support to the restoration and enhancement of the Colosseum’s heritage, including an ongoing project to restore the permanent exhibition at the Colosseum.

MORE FROM FORBES

ForbesNow You Can Visit Mussolini’s Secret Underground World War II Bunker In RomeBy Jim DobsonForbesThe 18 Best Hotels In Italy, According To The 2024 DUCO AwardsBy Jim DobsonForbesThis Former Convent In Rome Is Now A Luxury Boutique HotelBy Jim Dobson