#Roman Colosseum underground tunnels, cages open to public

For the first time in history, the bowels of Rome’s Colosseum are now open for public viewing.

The labyrinth of subterranean passageways, rooms and cages from which gladiators and prisoners used to wait before emerging from trap doors into the arena will open Friday, a first in the 2,000-year-old amphitheater’s history. 

“This was the backstage of the shows that went on in the arena. [It is the location for] all the preparation, even the technology — they brought props, men and animals up into the arena through a series of elevators and cargo lifts,” Alfonsina Russo, director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, told CNN of the freshly restored “hypogeum,” as the underground corridors are known. “This restoration is absolutely important for the archaeological research, because it enables us to reconstruct its history.”

The Colosseum — which is the Roman empire’s largest amphitheater and Italy’s most popular tourist attraction — has been undergoing a comprehensive restoration since 2011. The project was initiated by Italian fashion house Tod’s, which has given $30 million to the effort in partnership with Rome’s Archaeological Heritage Department. 

“It is … important for relevant companies to make themselves available to the country, understanding what they can do for the country,” Tod’s chairman Diego della Valle said of the 49,000-square-foot hypogeum’s rehabilitation, which required a team of 80 archaeologists, architects and engineers over the course of two years, Reuters reported. The landmark’s basement now features a 525-foot walkway so visitors can see into the underbelly of the landmark.

“This is about important pieces for Italy, monuments that are well known all over the world, and tourism, which is not only entertainment but an important business in Italy which, if cared for properly, has no rival anywhere in the world,” said della Valle.