You can pretend to be a GLADIATOR while staying overnight in the Roman Colosseum
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You can pretend to be a GLADIATOR while staying overnight in the Roman Colosseum

Online vacation rental service Airbnb recently announced that users can book the Colosseum in Rome as their latest experience. Yes, you read that right. 16 lucky guests will have an after-dark experience in the Roman Colosseum. The offer is in collaboration with Paramount Pictures for Ridley Scott’s upcoming film, Gladiator II. The best part is that you get it for free if you choose it.

Two gladiators in the middle of the Colosseum, ready to fight.

Airbnb

The experience is called “Train for Gladiator II glory” and is hosted by Lucius and humorously references Paul Mezcal’s character Lucius Verus in the film. But even though you’re an Airbnb, you can’t actually stay overnight at the Colosseum. It’s obviously a huge bummer, but what’s more important, sleeping or fulfilling your gladiator destiny? As the listing reads: “The Colosseum is a place for battle, not for rest. By decree of the emperor, no guest is allowed to stay overnight.”

So what exactly will someone do during their experience? It starts with going down into the Hypogeum, which is the Colosseum’s underground chamber. Here you will fit in armor, as described on website. The armor matches the type of gladiator you are: murmillo, thraex, provocateur, retiarius or contrarete.

A view of the Colosseum.

Airbnb

Once decked out, guests watch experienced gladiators fight and study their techniques as they will be joining the battle very soon, but not before partying… sort of. Guests will enjoy a spread similar to a charcuterie board with grapes, pomegranates, almonds and walnuts.

Filled with paltry fruit and nuts, the guests train for gladiatorial combat and meet each other. “A summa rudis – your judge – will ultimately decide your fate. May you taste the sweetness of glory with the infestus pollex and join the ranks of victorious gladiators since time immemorial,” the website reads.

Two rows of gladiator shields.

Airbnb

The experience is part of Airbnb’s Icons program, which launched in May. Icons is a collection of experiences based on fictional properties and real-life celebrities. Previous Icons experiences have included “Step into X-Men ’97” and “Drift off in the Up house.”

“Icons take you into worlds that only existed in your imagination—until now,” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO. “As life becomes increasingly digital, we focus on bringing more magic into the real world. With Icons, we’ve created the most extraordinary experiences on earth.

Roman-style canopies with food overlays beneath them.

Airbnb

Guests have the option to book one of two three-hour experiences on Nov. 27, similar to a regular Airbnb booking, except you need to answer a question about why you want to go. The experience itself will take place on May 7 and 8, 2025.