Rome: Navona Underground & Domitian Stadium Guided Tour

Thinking about stepping off the beaten path in Rome? This small-group guided tour offers a rare glimpse beneath the city streets to uncover the hidden remains of the Domitian Stadium. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll explore ancient ruins, hear captivating stories, and enjoy striking views of Piazza Navona—all in just about an hour.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s the chance to walk within the underground remains of a stadium that once hosted gladiator contests and chariot races—an experience most visitors don’t get. Second, the personal touch from a passionate guide ensures you won’t just see the ruins but truly understand their importance. Lastly, the combination of history and ambiance, with picturesque views of Piazza Navona, makes it a memorable addition to your Roman itinerary.

The only caveat? The tour lasts around an hour, which might feel a bit quick for those craving a deeper exploration. Still, for its size and price, this is a focused, fascinating peek into Roman entertainment and architecture.

This tour suits history buffs, curious travelers eager for intimate experiences, and anyone wanting a different perspective beyond the typical landmarks. If you love learning stories from passionate guides in a small group, you’ll find this tour a highlight.

Good To Know

• Exclusive Access: Explore the underground ruins of the Domitian Stadium, a less-visited Roman site.
• Expert Guides: Learn engaging stories and details from passionate, knowledgeable guides like Erika and Noemi.
• Stunning Views: Enjoy the scenic backdrop of Piazza Navona as part of your experience.
• Small Group: Experience a more personalized tour, avoiding the crowds typical of major attractions.
• Affordable Price: At $40 per person, it offers good value for the quality and intimacy of the experience.
• Convenient Location: Starts and ends at the Touristation Navona Office, right in front of the famous fountain.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Discovering the Underground of Roman Stadiums

The Domitian Stadium, also known as the Stadio di Domiziano, is a site many travelers overlook. Most visitors flock to the Colosseum or Roman Forum, but this hidden ruin reveals a different facet of Roman life—public entertainment and athletic events held during the empire’s height. Our guide will lead you into the underground chambers, where you can see remnants of Roman stonework, original seating sections, and the historic track.

Walking through these ancient ruins, you can almost hear the echoes of roaring crowds. One reviewer, Lisa, mentioned how her guide Erika “made the whole experience so memorable”, emphasizing the value of a passionate guide in bringing history to life. The underground setting adds a sense of mystery and intimacy, making it a truly special moment in your Roman adventure.

The Itinerary in Detail

Meeting Point: Touristation Navona

Your journey begins at the Touristation Office, located at Piazza Navona 25, right in front of the central fountain. This spot is an easy, iconic starting point—perfect for travelers exploring nearby landmarks.

Stop 1: Guided tour of Piazza Navona (20 minutes)

Before heading underground, your guide will give a brief overview of the piazza’s history, architecture, and its role in Roman life. This introduction provides valuable context, especially if you plan to linger afterward. Expect engaging commentary from guides like Noemi, who “was very good and engaging in her explanations.” You’ll appreciate her storytelling as she connects the piazza’s lively atmosphere with its Roman past.

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Stop 2: Tour of the Domitian Stadium (40 minutes)

The core of this experience, walking through the underground remains of the stadium, is where the magic happens. You’ll explore sections of Roman seating, the historic track, and underground chambers that housed the arena’s support structures. The experience is enhanced by skip-the-line tickets, ensuring you avoid long waits and focus on the exploration.

During the visit, your guide will share stories about Roman sports, entertainment, and architecture. As one reviewer, Luca, noted, “the guide was very knowledgeable and friendly,” which made the information more accessible and enjoyable. Expect stories about gladiators, chariot races, and how the stadium was an important part of Roman social life.

Final Stop: Return to Piazza Navona

The tour concludes back at your starting point, allowing you to continue exploring the area or grab a coffee nearby.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included are all the essentials for a smooth experience: assistance at the Touristation office, skip-the-line tickets to the underground ruins of the Domitian Stadium, and the guided tour itself—all in a small, intimate group setting. This setup maximizes engagement and minimizes waiting times, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace.

Food and drinks are not included, so plan to enjoy a quick snack or sit-down meal afterward—perhaps at one of the charming cafes overlooking Piazza Navona.

Group Size, Timing, and Value

Because this tour is capped at a small group, you’ll gain more personalized attention. Guides like Erika and Noemi have received praise for their friendliness and knowledge, adding a genuine human touch that makes history come alive. The duration is just about 1 hour, fitting easily into a busy sightseeing day without feeling rushed.

At $40 per person, it offers solid value, especially considering the skip-the-line access and expert guidance. It’s a cost-effective way to access a lesser-known archaeological site without the crowds or hefty entrance fees of larger attractions.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

This tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as it involves navigating underground chambers that might have uneven surfaces or tight spaces. Also, flash photography isn’t allowed—probably to protect the fragile ruins—so bring your camera carefully.

Authentic Experiences Highlighted by Reviews

Real travelers have voiced their appreciation for guides like Noemi and Erika, who make historical facts engaging. Lisa called Erika “extremely friendly and kind,” while Aida praised Noemi for her “engagement in her explanations.” These personal touches show that the tour isn’t just about seeing ruins but about connecting with the history through passionate storytelling.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you love uncovering hidden gems and want an intimate historical experience, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy storytelling, small-group intimacy, and scenic views. At a reasonable price, you get access to underground ruins seldom explored, with guides who bring the site’s stories vividly to life.

It’s especially suited for those with a keen interest in Roman architecture, entertainment, and history, who appreciate a quiet, reflective atmosphere away from the crowds. Because it’s relatively short, it works well as part of a broader Roman itinerary, or as a standalone highlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What language are the tours conducted in?
The guided tour is available in Italian and English, making it accessible for most visitors.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, with the underground of the stadium explored in a 40-minute segment.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Touristation Office at Piazza Navona 25 and concludes back at the same location.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour involves underground chambers and uneven surfaces, so it may not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially because you’ll be exploring underground ruins where surfaces may be uneven.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexible planning.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to grab a snack before or after the tour.

Is photography allowed?
Flash photography is not permitted to protect the ruins, but you can usually take photos without flash.

This Rome: Navona Underground & Domitian Stadium Guided Tour offers a unique peek into Roman life that many travelers overlook. Its combination of history, scenic views, and personal storytelling makes it a worthwhile addition to your Roman adventures—especially if you’re eager to see a lesser-known side of the Eternal City. Perfect for those seeking an engaging, intimate experience, it proves that sometimes the best stories are found beneath our feet.

You can check if your dates are available here: