Airbnb Is Giving 32 Individuals the Probability to Go to the Colosseum After Hours to Watch a Gladiator Combat

Constructed almost 2,000 years in the past, the Colosseum is without doubt one of the most iconic historical buildings nonetheless standing in Rome. However visiting it at this time, you’ll be able to solely start to think about what it could have been wish to attend a gladiator battle through the days of the Roman Empire. Quickly, although, in honor of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel, which can hit theaters on Nov. 22, a number of fortunate winners may have the prospect to enter the amphitheater after hours to witness a gladiator battle and even don armor and study among the strikes themselves.

Created in partnership with Paramount Photos, this ultra-exclusive expertise is one in all Airbnb’s Icons, a sequence of epic stays and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that the home-sharing platform is bringing to life — and we acquired a sneak peek. As a Rome-based journalist, I’ve been to the Colosseum quite a few occasions — by myself, on guided group and personal excursions, through the day and after hours — however I’ve by no means seen it fairly like this.

Upon getting into the rear gate on a current night, I discovered myself ringside, the place a seating space coated in purple velvet cushions and illuminated by torches and hearth pits was arrange overlooking the world ground. I watched rapt as two males in gladiator armor started to battle, their weapons clashing towards their shields and helmets, the clanging sounds reverberating within the night time. Once I requested the knowledgeable information in the event that they had been actors, she defined they’re not actors however historic reenactors who’ve devoted themselves to finding out gladiators.

Afterward, she led me down into the hypogeum, a warren of underground chambers the place animals had been stored in cages and corridors and gladiators walked earlier than rising within the enviornment. There, in one of many chambers, I acquired an up-close take a look at helmets, shields, armor, and weapons made to copy those utilized by historical gladiators. Members will have the ability to select an outfit comparable to one of many varieties of gladiators (murmillo, thraex, provocator, retiarius, or contrarete) and study the strikes they might have utilized in a battle earlier than placing their abilities to the take a look at.  

“Icons take you inside worlds that solely existed in your creativeness till now,” Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s co-founder and CEO, mentioned at Icons’ Summer season Launch occasion in Los Angeles. “What we’re centered on is creating extra magic in the actual world — and every little thing we do is in service to this concept as a result of magic just isn’t restricted to our creativeness.”

Requests to e-book this unforgettable expertise will open on Nov. 27 at 6 a.m. PT at airbnb.com/gladiatormovie. The precise experiences will happen on Might 7 and eight, 2025. Every expertise has the capability to host 16 folks (eight winners and their plus-ones), which means simply 32 folks may have the prospect to expertise a night as a gladiator on the Colosseum. The reserving interval will shut on Dec. 9 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The expertise is free, however members are liable for getting themselves to Rome and paying any prices related to their journey.