The Colosseum in Rome has reopened its southern corridors as a public square following a four-year restoration, giving visitors free access to a long-lost part of the ancient monument. The newly restored area was unveiled on Tuesday (17 March).
The newly accessible space, once used to channel crowds into the amphitheatre, has been transformed into an open area for both residents and tourists, marking a significant archaeological and cultural milestone.
Project architect Stefano Boeri said the intervention was designed to restore the structure’s original proportions.
“This project aims to give back to visitors the real dimension of the monument,” he said, explaining that the team reconstructed the travertine surface and the perimeter of the ancient marble-paved area.
He added that the redesigned space allows people to feel immersed in the monument while remaining outside its main structure.
The initiative followed extensive excavations that uncovered the foundations of the Colosseum’s southern external walkways.
According to Simone Quilici, director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, the reopening returns a section of the monument that had collapsed over centuries to the public.
“This is a scientific operation,” Quillici said, noting that the work began several years ago and aimed to reconnect the site with the city and its visitors.
Originally inaugurated in AD 80, the Colosseum was the largest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire, hosting gladiatorial contests, executions and animal hunts. Over time, parts of its southern side were lost due to earthquakes, natural deterioration and the reuse of building materials.
The latest restoration, funded through compensation linked to the construction of Rome’s Metro C line, included the installation of new travertine paving sourced from nearby Tivoli, echoing the materials used in antiquity. Geometric stone blocks now mark where rows of pillars once supported the vaulted corridors.
Officials expect the new square to become a lively cultural hub. Quilici suggested it could host evening events and performances during milder seasons, further integrating the historic site into modern urban life.
The reopened area is accessible without a ticket, offering visitors a new way to experience one of the world’s most visited cultural landmarks.
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