Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo)
Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo)

Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo) Tours and Tickets

30,077 reviews
Free admission

Rome’s Circus Maximus(Circo Massimo)—a massive arena for chariot races, games, religious ceremonies, and civic events—was the largest stadium in the Roman Empire. A major restoration in 2016 yielded a spruced-up archaeological site comprising arched walkways, ancient shops, a newly excavated cobbled road, and the Circus track’s oblong outline and starting gates.

  • Via del Circo Massimo, Rome, 00186

Tours and Tickets to Experience Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo)

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What are people saying about Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo)

Jennifer_B, Sep 2024
Francesca was our favorite tour guide
Francesca was very warm and personable. She has a great personality. She is knowledgeable and engaging.
Nathan_I, Jun 2024
Wonderful Guide
Calacara baths Great explanations of What used to be a spectacular place. I would definitely recommend this tour to others who have already seen the usual. I
Julie_A, Jun 2024
Great tour with a great guide
It was very hot but the guide kept us very interested and stayed longer as it took a little while to get in, very informative
susanj_c, May 2024
Enlightening Tour
Excellent guide who was quite knowledgeable of the baths and circus maximas. Also adapted tour for one friend who was struggling with walking tour and was very pleasant about our request.
People Also Ask
Q:What was the purpose of Circus Maximus in ancient Rome?
A:
Circus Maximus was an ancient Roman stadium used primarily for Roman games and horse-and-chariot races called ludi circenses. The stadium is among the largest sports areas ever built and could seat an estimated 250,000 spectators in its heyday—for comparison, the Colosseum had room for only about 50,000.
Q:What events were held at Circus Maximus during ancient Roman times?
A:
Circus Maximus served primarily as a chariot-racing venue and host of Roman Games honoring Jupiter. These ancient games were typically held annually with military processions. The arena also hosted wild animal hunts, public executions, and gladiator fights, including gory spectacles such as Pompey's famous contest between gladiators and elephants.
Q:What do you see on tours of Circus Maximus in Rome?
A:
On tours of Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo), you can walk along ancient roads, visit a medieval tower, and see race tracks, starting gates, and spectator stands. Augmented reality tours show the arena as it stood centuries ago. The arena is mostly in ruins, and is freely accessible to the public within operating hours.
Q:Is there free parking at Circus Maximus in Rome?
A:
No, free parking is generally not available at Circus Maximus. You may find street parking along the streets and public plazas, but it's advisable to use public transportation due to very limited parking spaces and traffic congestion in central Rome. The nearest metro station is Circo Massimo, serving Metro Line B (blue).
Q:Can I take photos at Circus Maximus in Rome?
A:
Yes, you can take photos at Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo) in Rome. The site of the ancient arena is freely open to the public within its operating hours and has few enforced restrictions. Some tours may allow limited photography, so it’s best to check with tour operators before your visit.
Q:What are the nearby attractions to visit when exploring Circus Maximus?
A:
The Colosseum is roughly a 10-minute walk from Circus Maximus, and the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are not much farther either. The Baths of Caracalla are roughly 15 minutes away along Viale delle Terme di Caracalla. You can also explore the Orange Garden and the keyhole view of St. Peter's Basilica.