Airbnb Is Giving 32 People the Chance to Visit the Colosseum After Hours to Watch a Gladiator Fight

Constructed practically 2,000 years in the past, the Colosseum is likely one of the most iconic historic constructions nonetheless standing in Rome. However visiting it right this moment, you possibly can solely start to think about what it could have been wish to attend a gladiator battle through the days of the Roman Empire. Quickly, although, in honor of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel, which can hit theaters on Nov. 22, just a few fortunate winners could have the prospect to enter the amphitheater after hours to witness a gladiator battle and even don armor and be taught a few of the strikes themselves.

Created in partnership with Paramount Footage, this ultra-exclusive expertise is one in every of Airbnb’s Icons, a collection of epic stays and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that the home-sharing platform is bringing to life — and we received a sneak peek. As a Rome-based journalist, I’ve been to the Colosseum quite a few instances — alone, on guided group and personal excursions, through the day and after hours — however I’ve by no means seen it fairly like this.

Upon getting into the rear gate on a current night, I discovered myself ringside, the place a seating space coated in pink velvet cushions and illuminated by torches and hearth pits was arrange overlooking the world flooring. I watched rapt as two males in gladiator armor started to battle, their weapons clashing in opposition to their shields and helmets, the clanging sounds reverberating within the night time. Once I requested the knowledgeable information in the event that they have been actors, she defined they’re not actors however historic reenactors who’ve devoted themselves to learning gladiators.

Afterward, she led me down into the hypogeum, a warren of underground chambers the place animals have been stored in cages and corridors and gladiators walked earlier than rising within the area. There, in one of many chambers, I received an up-close have a look at helmets, shields, armor, and weapons made to duplicate those utilized by historic gladiators. Contributors will be capable of select an outfit similar to one of many kinds of gladiators (murmillo, thraex, provocator, retiarius, or contrarete) and be taught the strikes they’d have utilized in a battle earlier than placing their expertise to the check.  

“Icons take you inside worlds that solely existed in your creativeness till now,” Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s co-founder and CEO, stated at Icons’ Summer season Launch occasion in Los Angeles. “What we’re targeted on is creating extra magic in the actual world — and every little thing we do is in service to this concept as a result of magic just isn’t restricted to our creativeness.”

Requests to e book this unforgettable expertise will open on Nov. 27 at 6 a.m. PT at airbnb.com/gladiatormovie. The precise experiences will happen on Could 7 and eight, 2025. Every expertise has the capability to host 16 folks (eight winners and their plus-ones), that means simply 32 folks could have the prospect to expertise a night as a gladiator on the Colosseum. The reserving interval will shut on Dec. 9 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The expertise is free, however individuals are answerable for getting themselves to Rome and paying any prices related to their journey.