Tourism Gladiatorial games return to the Colosseum

Next year, the Colosseum in Rome will once again be the venue for gladiator games, this time in a peaceful form. The event is being organized by AirBnB, but this is also attracting criticism.

Next year, the Colosseum in Rome will once again be the venue for gladiatorial games, but in a peaceful version. On two evenings in May, the almost 2000-year-old arena will open its doors after sunset for an exclusive group of just over two dozen guests.

These places will be allocated via an online lottery organized by the booking platform AirBnB. The application phase runs from November 27 to December 10. In return, AirBnB is investing 1.5 million euros in the renovation of the Colosseum.

The program, which lasts two to three hours, offers guests not only demonstrations by recreational gladiators, but also the opportunity to immerse themselves in fighting practices. This unique experience takes place in the historic setting of the Colosseum, which attracts around seven million tourists every year.

The Colosseum, which was built between 72 and 82 AD, once had room for up to 70,000 spectators. The last real gladiator fights took place there in the fifth century. Over the centuries, the complex fell into disrepair, but was gradually restored.

Criticism of AirBnB

Despite AirBnB's generous investment, the agreement has been criticized by the public. The platform is accused of contributing to the shortage of affordable housing by renting out apartments to tourists for short periods. This problem is particularly pronounced in Rome, which is further fueling the debate about the use of the Colosseum.

SDA