Virtual Reality Is Breathing New Life Into Rome's Colosseum

Gladiators and wild animals are set to return to the Colosseum for the first time in centuries in the form of a new immersive, multimedia show. Sangue e Arena, or Blood and Arena, runs from May 12 to October 27 and transports viewers back to the opening games of the Colosseum. Holograms, virtual reconstructions and sound and light effects will bring to life the hunts, executions and gladiatorial battles ordered by Emperor Titus for his 100-day inaugural games in 80 AD.

The show cost €500,000 to produce and came about thanks to a collaboration between the Colosseum archaeological park – which includes the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Domus Aurea – and the publishing house, Electa.

Alfonsina Russo, the director of the archaeological park, said the Colosseum has regained its ‘original function as a venue for shows’. It is a new direction for Rome’s most iconic monument, which ‘must become a place to live, not just to visit,’ Russo continued. She added that the show conjures up the emotions experienced by citizens of ancient Rome, the courage of gladiators, and beasts from distant provinces of the Empire, all in the very same arena that hosted the games almost two millennia ago.

The virtual reconstruction – created by multimedia and immersive experience company Graphics eMotion and a team of historians, archaeologists and architects – will be projected on a 17-metre canvas on the floor of the arena as well as onto the walls of the amphitheatre itself.

‘Everything you will see has really happened,’ said Rosella Rea, who curated the show. That’s because the reconstructions are based on the writings of poet Marcus Valerius Martialis, known more commonly in English as Martial.

Martial witnessed the first ever games at the Colosseum and later recounted his experiences in his first book of poems, On the Spectacles. This went on to form part of his 12 books of epigrams, published between 102 and 104 AD, for which he’s most famous.

Sangue e Arena runs 12 May through October 27, with tickets costing €20 for adults. Three 30-minute performances take place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, in both English and Italian. Find tickets here.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.