Are you not entertained?!
If you booked the Colosseum on Airbnb and went to battle as a gladiator, how could you not be entertained by the thrill and history emanating from this ancient arena?
Yes, the iconic landmark in Rome will soon be taking reservations for a unique experience…kind of.
While it won’t be available for an overnight stay, guests can immerse themselves in a captivating three-hour private experience at the Colosseum, which will take place on May 7 and May 8. Each evening will accommodate up to 16 guests, offering an exclusive, intimate setting. Booking requests will open at Airbnb.com beginning Nov. 27, just days following the much-anticipated release of “Gladiator II” in theaters.
The stay at this legendary arena, where gladiators once fought valiantly for their lives in front of crowds, is free of charge; however, guests will need to cover their own travel costs to Italy.
Guests, or “daring warriors” as Airbnb affectionately refers to them, will be welcomed into the Colosseum after sunset. Here, they will have the rare opportunity to explore the historic grounds where gladiators prepared for battle thousands of years ago. The experience culminates in a thrilling moment as participants don custom armor of their choice, train for combat, and engage in a friendly duel with a fellow daring warrior/gladiator/Airbnb guest.
Here’s how Airbnb describes the experience:
- The patron will greet you at the Colosseum after sunset and lead you through its ancient passageways. Regardless of whether you emerge victorious or defeated, you’ll witness a sight rarely seen. The memory of the Colosseum aglimmer in candlelight will be a treasure forever etched in your mind.
- Descend into the hypogeum, the underground chambers where gladiators mentally prepared for battle. You will choose armor that most closely mirrors your gladiator persona, be it murmillo, thraex, provocator, retiarius, or contrarete. Select wisely, as it may define your experience.
- Traverse the torch-lit, labyrinthine bowels of the Colosseum where Maximus and countless other warriors walked before you. Reflect on their fates, and ponder your own destiny as you recreate their monumental journey.
- Savor the thrilling sounds of swords clashing and shields locking as seasoned gladiators perform a breathtaking display for your benefit. Study their techniques, for soon it will be your turn to unleash your inner warrior.
- Enjoy a spread of victuals such as grapes, pomegranates, almonds, and walnuts, embodying the life of a gladiator – a life of discipline, not excess. Overindulgence could dull your senses and impair your reflexes.
- Train in the art of gladiator combat, pushing your limits as you face off against fellow warriors. A summa rudis, your referee, will decide your fateful encounters. May you taste the sweetness of glory with infestus pollex, joining the ranks of victorious gladiators renowned throughout history.
The experience is a part of Airbnb’s “Icons” series, which also features stays at the Deetz house from “Beetlejuice” and the McAllister house from “Home Alone.”
Lucky fans of both the film and history alike will now tread in the historic footsteps of Maximus Decimus Meridius, portrayed by Russell Crowe in the first film, as they embrace the chance to spend a few exhilarating hours as a gladiator.
What they do in the Colosseum, and in life, echoes in eternity.
2024 has emerged as a blockbuster year for cinema, with “Deadpool & Wolverine” smashing box office records and the highly-anticipated onscreen reunion of Brad Pitt and George Clooney. The cinematic landscape is further electrified by another clash of titans, with “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” premiering on the same date. Access Hollywood is looking back at the cinematic highlights of 2024 so far while teasing what’s around the corner.
**Interview with Sarah Mitchell, Airbnb Experience Curator, on the “Gladiator II” Colosseum Experience**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. This upcoming event at the Colosseum sounds absolutely thrilling! Can you give us a brief overview of what guests can expect from the experience?
**Sarah:** Absolutely! We’re excited to offer an immersive three-hour experience at the Colosseum, where guests will step back in time to explore the legendary arena that once hosted fierce gladiatorial battles. It’s a unique opportunity to witness this ancient landmark under candlelight and engage in some friendly combat training with custom armor.
**Editor:** That sounds fascinating! What inspired Airbnb to create such an event, especially around the release of “Gladiator II”?
**Sarah:** The release of “Gladiator II” presents a perfect opportunity to connect with fans of the film and history enthusiasts alike. We wanted to create an experience that honors the rich history of the Colosseum while providing guests a fun and unforgettable way to engage with it. The timing with the film’s premiere allows us to celebrate the iconic gladiatorial themes of strength and honor.
**Editor:** For the guests participating as “daring warriors,” what kind of training and activities can they anticipate during their time in the Colosseum?
**Sarah:** Guests will be greeted by a patron who will lead them through the ancient passageways of the Colosseum. They’ll have the chance to explore the hypogeum, where gladiators once prepared for battle. After selecting their armor, participants will engage in combat training and have the opportunity to duel with fellow guests. There will also be a captivating performance by seasoned gladiators showcasing their skills!
**Editor:** It’s incredible that this experience is free of charge! What are some logistical considerations for guests interested in booking?
**Sarah:** Yes, the experience is free, but guests need to plan for their travel costs to Italy. Bookings will open on November 27, and it’s important to act quickly, as spots are limited to just 16 guests per night. We recommend visiting Airbnb.com to secure your place once bookings go live.
**Editor:** One last question, Sarah—what do you hope guests take away from this experience?
**Sarah:** We hope guests leave with a deeper appreciation for the history of the Colosseum and the brave gladiators who fought there. Beyond the excitement, we want them to feel a connection to the past and the stories that shaped this iconic landmark, creating a memory that they’ll cherish for a lifetime.
**Editor:** Thank you, Sarah! This unique experience sounds absolutely compelling, and I’m sure many will be eager to book their spots.
**Sarah:** Thank you for having me! We can’t wait to welcome our fearless warriors to the Colosseum.
