2,000-year-old Colosseum to host Airbnb guests
Airbnb is offering a new immersive experience inspired by Gladiator II at the Colosseum in Rome – but it’s facing criticism from Italian officials.
The Airbnb listing is hosted by Lucius, played by Paul Mescal in the Ridley Scott film. Guests can request to book the free three-hour experience, which is taking place at the 2,000-year-old Colosseum on 7 and 8 May 2025.
Lucius asks in a press release: “Think you have what it takes to become the supreme gladiator? This trial will separate the weak from the strong, where only those with true strength and honor will rise above.
“For the courageous who accept the challenge, I open the gates of the Colosseum for you to prove your worth before the highest of Rome. Suit up and get ready for battle, for what we do in life echoes in eternity.”
Guests will begin their experience in the hypogeum, the underground chambers where gladiators prepare for battle. Before facing off against their fellow fighters, guests will be dressed in armour and enjoy a spread of grapes, pomegranates, almonds, and walnuts.
As part of the experience, Airbnb has donated $1.5 million to the Colosseum Archaeological Park for ongoing restoration projects.
However, Rome’s councillor for culture, Massimiliano Smeriglio, told CNN: “The issue is not the public-private relationship [between Airbnb and the Colosseum Archaeological Park] or the desire of big brands to support the protection and conservation.
“We are not in Disneyland“
“But to avoid a demeaning use of our historical-artistic heritage, especially when it comes to a monument that is unique in the world like the Colosseum.”
President of Rome’s Culture Commission, Erica Battaglia, said in a statement: “For what it represents, the Colosseum is a world heritage site and one must go to the direction to protect it, but also to make it accessible to all and to prevent it from becoming a place of pranks for a select few.”
Enzo Foschi, a politician for the Democratic Party, told the publication: “We are not in Disneyland, we are in Rome. Every now and then someone seems to forget it.”
