The Colosseum reopened on Tuesday (March 17) a long‑forgotten part of its ancient infrastructure, bringing new life to a space once walked by thousands of Romans.

 After a four-year programme of archaeological excavation and restoration, the southern corridors that once channelled crowds into the amphitheatre have been made accessible again, transformed into a public square for residents and tourists.

"Today we are inaugurating a square, returning a part of the Colosseum that had collapsed over the centuries to the city, its citizens and the many visitors," said Simone Quillici, director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park.

Inaugurated in 80 AD, the Colosseum was the biggest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire and used to host gladiator fights, executions and animal hunts. Almost 15 million people visited it in 2024, according to official data from the Ministry of Culture.

The latest intervention, which was financed through compensation funds linked to the construction of the Metro C line, aimed to restore the original proportions of the Colosseum by rebuilding the ancient travertine paving and distinguishing it from the modern square covered in cobblestones.

Access to the newly inaugurated area does not require a ticket.

"This new condition will allow everybody to feel themselves inside the monument without being really inside," said Stefano Boeri, the architect responsible for the project.

Over the centuries, the southern front of the Colosseum partially collapsed due to natural damage, earthquakes and the reuse of building materials. Only a few blocks of the original structure survived and have now been fenced off after being uncovered during the excavation.

A new travertine surface has been laid along the level of the ancient walkway, using stone quarried in Tivoli near the sites that supplied the original material. Where two rows of pillars once supported the vaulted ceilings of the southern corridors, geometric blocks have been placed to recall the original layout.

Quillici said he expected the renewed archaeological area to become a lively gathering place. "The idea is to bring it to life and, why not, in the evenings - perhaps in the mid‑seasons or even in summer when it's not too hot - organise some cultural activities or performances out here," he said.

Production: Gabriele Pileri, Matteo Negri/Reuters