Get ready for an unforgettable journey through history at the Circus Maximus, Rome’s legendary chariot racing stadium! Imagine cheering crowds, roaring chariots, and the thrill of ancient Roman entertainment. Today, you can experience this vibrant past firsthand, thanks to cutting-edge technology that brings the Circus Maximus back to life.
A Glimpse into the Past
The Circus Maximus holds a special place in Roman history. Built over centuries, this impressive structure, measuring a whopping 600 meters long and 140 meters wide, was once the heart of Roman entertainment. Legend even ties its origins to the city’s founding, when the famous Rape of the Sabine Women supposedly took place during games honoring the god Conso.
The Circus underwent continuous development over the centuries, with notable contributions from Julius Caesar and Augustus. Caesar oversaw the construction of a brickwork structure, and Augustus enhanced the hippodrome with an obelisk (now found in Piazza del Popolo) and a special ceremonial platform called the pulvinar.
Virtual Reality Brings History to Life
Now, visitors can journey back in time through a multisensory experience powered by augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). Imagine wearing special glasses and stepping onto the Circus Maximus floor, only to see the ancient stadium rise around you. With a 360-degree view of the Circus Maximus in its glory days, you’ll witness a spectacular reconstruction of the past, including the majestic Arch of Titus in its original grandeur.
An Immersive Tour Through Time
The Circo Maximo Experience takes you on a fascinating 40-minute walking tour, showcasing the Circus Maximus’s evolution over time. You’ll see the valley floor in its earliest days, the Circus as it stood in the first century BC and AD, the seating tiers, shops, and even a glimpse of the Circus during the Middle Ages and modern times.
The experience is available in multiple languages – Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese – ensuring everyone can join in the fun. Special features cater to deaf visitors, providing simplified subtitles in Italian and English.
Important note: While the Circo Maximo Experience is truly unique, it’s not available on the first Sundays of the month or on days with free admission. And, of course, it’s best to avoid rainy days, as the multimedia experience won’t be accessible then.
A New Way to Explore Ancient Rome
Ready to explore even more? The Forum Pass is your key to unlocking a vast and captivating journey through the archaeological heart of Rome. This single ticket (€16) grants you access to a two-hour itinerary encompassing the Roman Forum, Imperial Fora, and Palatine Hill. The Forum Pass also includes access to SUPER sites, special locations where you can delve deeper into Roman history through immersive technologies and engaging virtual narratives.
The Forum Pass offers a seamless, barrier-free experience, taking you across the Roman Forum, beneath Via dei Fori Imperiali, and through the cellars of the ancient Alessandrino neighborhood. This incredible journey will lead you to the Curia, the heart of Roman political life, and beyond.
So, step back in time and immerse yourself in the wonders of ancient Rome! From the grandeur of the Circus Maximus to the intricate history of the Roman Forum, these unforgettable experiences will transport you to a bygone era, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.
