Piazza Navona Underground Ruins Tour with Palazzo Altemps
Visit the ruins of Dometian's Stadium below Piazza Navona before seeing the famous Suicidal Gaul
Looking for something new and exciting to do in Rome? You are a few clicks away from reserving time with a licensed guide to visit Domitian's Stadium, one of ancient Rome's largest stadiums, directly below Piazza Navona! You'll see how the stadium was built and learn about the types of events and games that were held there such as the origins of MMA. From there, visit Palazzo Altemps which is home to a beautiful cloister and the famous Suicidal Gaul statue.
Tour Details
- Meet Your Guide and Enter the Grand Courtyard
- The Iconic Roman Collections of Palazzo Altemps
- The Stoic Statue Athlete at Rest
- Original Busts of Famed Roman Emperors
- Ludovico Sarcophogus
- Suicidal Gaul
- Layers of History in and below Piazza Navona
- Bernini's Four Rivers Statue
- Head Underground to the Ancient 20,000 Seat Stadium
Are you a true art history nerd? Do you want to see an unmatched collection of Roman artifacts in a 15th century ornate home to one of Italy's most influential families? Throughout the centuries, Roman nobility amassed massive collections of art and artifacts. Today, many of these collections remain in their palaces but are now owned and operated as museums by the Italian State. With a private art historian guide, explore one of these grand collections at Palazzo Altemps. After, head below nearby Piazza Navona to the hidden ruins of Domitian's 20,000 seat stadium. This 3 hour tour includes:
Private English-Speaking Art Historian Guide
Skip the Line into the Palazzo Altemps Museum
Admission for the Stadium of Domitian Underground
Meet Your Guide Outside Palazzo Altemps
Your private tour begins in the heart of Rome just blocks from the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and Mausoleum of Augustus. Throughout its nearly 3,000 year long history Rome has become a web of architecture, art, and culture. Explore the great statues of ancient Rome and an oft overlooked underground stadium with a passionate local guide.
Palazzo Altemps Museum and Courtyard
As you enter the courtyard of Palazzo Altemps, imagine the centuries of glamour when the building functioned as a luxurious palace. Learn about the Palace's history and ties to famous Popes and more.
In the courtyard, enjoy an amazing collection of statues from antiquity. Take in the grandeur of the Athlete at Rest, Statue of Demeter, and impressive original busts of emperors such as the famous and notorious Nero.
Ludovisi Collection
During the 15th century, near what is now Tiburtina train station, there was a massive archaeological discovery of statues, artifacts and more from Ancient Rome. The works found included long forgotten masterpieces of ancient sculpture as well as the remains and possessions of Emperors from the 3rd century AD.
Many of these statues ended up in the hands of the influential Roman family, the Ludovisi. During these centuries, the Italian aristocracy was obsessed with who patronized and collected the best art. From the Borghese family commissioning Caravaggio and Bernini, to the Barberini bees found across Roman buildings, art was the way to show power.
Suicidal Gaul and the Ludovico Sarcophagus
Learn how the Ludovisi became a power player with their newfound collection. Amongst many pieces, your guide will lead you to the two most famous in the museum, the Suicidal Gaul and Ludovico Sarcophagus.
The statue of the Suicidal Gaul is an important representation of the mindset of war to Romans. The statue portrays the story of a Gallic soldier who in light of his family being forced into slavery, killed them all and then himself. It's an allegory that shines on many things, especially how even the Romans knew the strength of their brutality.
In addition to the Suicidal Gaul, see more from Rome's wartime past. Step close up to the Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus. Likely the tomb of a general or even emperor, the burial piece depicts a battle between the Romans and Goths during the tumultuous "Crisis of the Third Century."
After passing through the great statues of antiquity who focus on war and the gods, the second portion of the tour involves the Romans other huge passion, games and racing.
Underground Ruins of the Stadium of Domitian
Below the modern bustling square of Piazza Navona, discover how it looked in the first century AD. Often thought of as Ancient Rome's third stadium behind the Colosseum and Circus Maximus, the Stadium of Domitian held track and field events surrounding by 20,000 cheering spectators.
Domitian opened the stadium in 86 AD after years of both tragedy and triumph in Rome. As games in the Colosseum commenced in 79 AD, fires raged in the Campo Marzio district of the city and the infamous volcano destroyed Pompeii. Beyond the destruction to Roman cities, Domitian also lost his brother, the Emperor Titus in 81 AD. Against the odds, Domitian continued the building tradition of his family and brought another great stadium to the legacy of the Flavian Dynasty.
Your guide will lead you through the stadiums ruins. See the expert architecture and incredible layers of stories built into Piazza Navona.
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