Colosseum underground to open: Walk in the footsteps of the gladiators

The underground of the Colosseum, which has remained a mystery for centuries, will soon open.

After months of work to make the area safe, officials have announced that the public will be allowed to tour the section starting late summer.

Architect Barbara Nazzaro said tourists will be able to see the spaces where gladiators prepared for fights and lions, tigers and bulls were caged before entertaining a bloodthirsty public.

The reopening of the hypogeum, or the underground, and other parts of the ancient arena follows an extensive restoration of the Colosseum.

Nazzaro said the historical site, however, needs more funding to survive in the long term.
The authorities are now in search of sponsors to help finance a 23-million ($40-million) restoration and maintenance project.