Underground Rome Tour and Stadium of Domitian

Piazza Navona mirrors the shape of the ancient Stadium of Domitian.

The stadium was an enormous structure capable of accommodating approximately 30,000 spectators, featuring a track 240 meters long and 65 meters wide where athletic competitions were held. Piazza Navona occupies the arena’s space, and all the buildings overlooking the square are built upon the foundations of the ancient seating tiers.

The Stadium was the first masonry sports facility built in Rome. It was commissioned by Domitian, the third emperor of the Flavian dynasty, in 86 AD and remained in use until the 5th century.

Visitors can access an underground area where the stadium’s structures can still be observed, including arched pilasters and radial brick walls placed in an arc formation.
Steps leading to the upper seating tiers are also still visible.

In certain areas, remnants of the plaster that once covered some of the stadium walls are preserved.

While strolling through Piazza Navona, you’ll uncover not only the baroque beauty of the square but also the ancient ruins of the Stadium of Domitian, silent witnesses to the grandeur of Imperial Rome.

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