Stadium of Domitian - Unesco World Heritage Site

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Stadio Domiziano

Before and After

Piazza Navona Underground

The ruins of the Stadium of Domitian (Unesco World Heritage Site) in Piazza Navona, are located about 4.50 meters below street level.

The Stadium

The name comes from the greek word “stadion”, that referred to the distance of around 180 meters along which took place the most important greek competition: the race. The Stadium of Domitian had the form of a circus with two straights and two curved short sides: it measured around 275 per 106 meters.
The building is the only example of a masonry athletics stadium outside of the Greek World and was made in travertine blocks and brickwork. The massive external facade presented two arcades with different orders resting on semi-column pilasters. The main entrances where located in the middle of the two long sides of the stadium and were characterised by stunning marble columns and arcades. The stands for the public were divided into overlaying sectors (maeniana) and it has been calculated that it could host at least 30.000 people.

In 1936, when part of the houses built on one of the curved sides of the Stadium were demolished, experts were able to discover a portion of the cavea (staircase for the audience) where one of the main entrances was located. The archaeological discoveries included numerous sculpture fragments of inestimable value and a Pentelic marble torso: a copy of the 4th century BC Apollo Lykeios by Praxiteles. Other remains of the Stadium have been identified in many basements of Piazza Navona, others are located underneath the buildings of the École Française de Rome and under the beautiful church of St. Agnese.

Tour

What you'll get

Visit of the underground levels of Piazza Navona, first opened to the public in 2014;
Admire the ancient ruins of the first and only masonry athletics stadium in Roman history;
Learn more about the Roman Empire and the history of the ancient sports.

Normal Tours

The ruins of the Domitian Stadium (declared Unesco World Heritage Site and subjected to the indirect protection of the Ministerial Decree of April 7th 1954) are located under Piazza Navona at about 5 meters below the street level. The archaeological area is all that remains od the only masonry athletics stadium know in Roman history.
The audio guide (also for children) combines with illustrative panels, photos and videos, also in 3D, is included in the price for the ticket and aims to provide a complete and exhaustive tour of the site.

Useful information

The entrance is in Via di Tor Sanguigna 3;
In August the Archaeological area is open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 to 19 (last entry et 18:20);
The duration of the visit goes around 40 minutes.

Exclusive Tours

A recently restored part of the Archaeological area is now exclusively open to the public. The visit of both sites offer a clearer and more complete understanding of the history of Piazza Navona and of the Domitian Stadium.

Useful information

The entrance is in Via di Tor Sanguigna 3;
Limit of 10 people (children included) per visit;
Come 15 minutes before the beginning of the visit;
In August the Archaeological area is open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 to 19 (last entry et 18:20);
The duration of the visit goes around 60 minutes.

Private Tours

We organize exclusive private tours in the evening upon request.

Time Table, Tickets & Bookshop

TIMETABLE

We are open everyday from 10 am to 7 pm

TICKETS

Normal Tour
Full €9 (audioguide included)
Reduced €7: 12-17 years old and over 65 (audioguide included)
Junior €5: 8-11 years old (audioguide included)
Free for children up to 7 years old (audioguide included)
Exclusive Tour
Full €14,00 (audioguide included)
Reduced €12: 12-17 years old and over 65 (audioguide included)
Junior €10: 8-11 years old (audioguide included)
Children up to 7 years old €5 (audioguide included)

BOOKSHOP

In our library you’ll be able to find art and history books, antique prints, postcards, gadgets, souvenirs, artistic crafts, DVDs and a creative children section.

Corporate Event

It is possible to organize exclusive corporate events in the ancient ruins of the Stadium like:

PRIVATE TOURS
GALA EVENTS :
- Buffet dinner for a maximum of 250 guests;
- Seated service dinner for a maximum of 130 guests;
- Romantic dinner on the exclusive heated roof of Navona Palace.
Conventions (90 guests);
Press conferences (90 guests);
Workshop (90 guests);
Art exhibitions;
Fashion shows;
Private concerts.

Mission

The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage of the capital city of Rome has formally appointed MKT121 S.R.L. for the recovery and preservation of the Stadium of Domitian with the objective of providing excellent management of the site and granting tours, activities and events. MKT121 S.R.L., after winning the contest, has proven its commitment for planning, financing and implementing the recovery of the site by preserving and enhancing its value.