Rome sharply attacks Airbnb and its “gladiator for a day” experience

Experience an evening between gladiators in the heart of the Colosseum… or rather, between tourists dressed up and ready to face each other. On the occasion of the release of the film Gladiator IIAirbnb announced on November 13 a collaboration with the Roman amphitheater for an extraordinary immersive experience. The event will surely delight fans of the film, since it will allow sixteen people to participate in gladiator fights in the largest amphitheater in the world in May 2025. According to the Italian newspaper The Republicthe short-term rental platform plans to pay $1.5 million to the historic site in exchange. But this project is not unanimous and the initiative is strongly criticized by several politicians and residents of the “eternal city”.

Not a “theme park”

«We can’t turn one of the world’s most important monuments into a theme park», denounces, in the Italian newspaper Corriere Della Serathe Culture Advisor to the mayor of Rome, Massimiliano Smeriglio, who is calling for the project to be abandoned purely and simply. In the same article, Viviana Piccirilli Di Capua, representative of the association of residents of the historic center, criticizes the platform for “disrupt the history and daily life of the inhabitants of central Rome».

Some municipal councilors have also expressed their rejection, such as Alessandro Luparelli, declaring on his social networks that the “archaeological heritage deserves much more”. Other elected officials more broadly deplore the impact of Airbnb accommodation and the difficulty of renting apartments for locals. “While a handful of tourists will play gladiators, the rest of the city will continue the real fight” shares municipal councilor Mariastella Urru on her Facebook account.

The event, which will be held during the Holy Year in Rome, marked by numerous religious celebrations and which occurs every 25 years, does not excite Dario Nanni, the president of the jubilee commission either. His petition, for the cancellation of these false battles, has already collected more than 1,500 signatures. “The Colosseum is neither for sale nor for rent. No one should consider turning it into an amusement park or entertainment venue», Points out Dario Nanni in his press release. According to him, it would be “protect» this site which is one of the seven wonders of the modern world, by refusing to use it as “consumer object».

A project that aims to be “faithful” to history

Developed in collaboration with associations specializing in historical reconstruction, the event aims to recreate an atmosphere faithful to the Roman era. The chosen people will wear armor and be able to wield swords, before facing each other in the arena. “We want to educate visitors about the historical importance of this bygone era“, boasts Airbnb in an interview given to Figaro. But be careful, like ancient clashes, you will have to fight to get a place.

Candidates, who must be of age, will be able to submit their application via the platform between November 27 at 3 p.m. and December 10 at 8:59 a.m. They will have to answer the question in French: “Why does this experience appeal to you?” “Next, we will draw a group of potential participants. We will examine their responses to identify those that demonstrate a particular connection to history or place. Finally, successful candidates will be invited to book.specifies Airbnb at Figaro. They will have 24 hours to confirm their place (free). Please note: participants will have to organize their trip to Italy on their own.

Despite the criticism, Airbnb says this initiative is part of a “broader commitment to preserving heritage in Europe and providing guests with a diverse and unique selection of experiences that authentically reflect the culture of cities around the world“. In France, the American company has already allowed customers to spend a night in the Louvre pyramid or to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Romeo and Juliet’s bed, in Verona. The significant sponsorship that the Colosseum will receive should allow the museum to renew its educational program on the history of the place for visitors.

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