Romans at Play: Caracalla Baths, Circus Maximus & Colosseum

3h English, Spanish, Italian

Roman civilization has left many imposing structures such as the Pantheon and the Arch of Constantine, but some of its grandest monuments were dedicated to sport and leisure. We’ll take you on an immersive journey into the everyday life of ancient Romans - from the gossip and indulgence of the bathhouse to the speed and thrills of the racetrack, and the mortal struggles of the Imperial arena. This was an era when sport really could be a matter of life and death...

What you'll discover

  • Learn how the ancient Romans enjoyed their leisure hours
  • Relish the atmosphere of Rome in its Imperial glory
  • Listen to stories of chariot racing and gladiatorial combat
  • Explore the vast ruins of the Baths of Caracalla with a guide trained in archaeology
  • Discover the extraordinary technology of Roman structures

Ever wanted to know how the ancient Romans spent their free time? Explore the ways they were just like us, and learn also how they could be so strikingly different. We’ll start by entering the majestic Baths of Caracalla, where citizens came to relax, socialise and feel replenished. Bathing halls were often surrounded by beautiful, expansive gardens, where one could stroll and meditate - and even visit a library to indulge the mind. The bathing process, on the other hand, involved proceeding from a series of hot rooms to much colder ones in an effort to detoxify the body. We'll continue to the enormous Circus Maximus - the greatest centre for spectacles in Rome - and then to the towering Colosseum, to explore how Romans engaged with popular sports. Romans loved watching games and here we can meet the protagonists of those matches - charioteers and gladiators who fought to win money, fame, and freedom, even at the risk of serious injury and violent death. The finest became celebrities, similar to our modern football players and Hollywood stars (though they performed all their own stunts!). As we walk outside the ascending arcades of the Colosseum, we’ll also consider the tremendous technical challenges of realising these vast structures dedicated to human entertainment. Under the late Republic and Empire, leisure and spectacle helped bind the people to the state - public fun was a serious matter. So live the atmosphere of the past and become a Roman at play for a day... NOTES This tour will enter the Baths of Caracalla but not the interior of the Colosseum, which will be viewed from the outside. Non-inclusive ticket prices to the Baths of Caracalla: Adults: 8 Euro, EU citizens (aged 18 - 24): 4 Euro, EU citizens younger than 17 and older than 65: Free entrance.

Meet here

The meeting point is directly outside The Caracalla Baths, your guide will be there waiting for you at the entrance.

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Meet your Stroller


My name is Zenda and I’m an enthusiastic and experienced guide working in Rome. I grew up here and have always loved this city. In fact, I studied archaeology at the Università degli Studi di Roma, ‘La Sapienza’, and took part in site excavations as part of my training. I’ll bring you back to the ancient city of the Emperors, and to the Medieval era when its streets were thronged with pilgrims, and to the Renaissance and Baroque eras, when artists from Raphael to Caravaggio endowed its palaces and churches with outstanding masterpieces. Do you feel excited? Great! Let’s discover the secrets of the Eternal City together.

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“He was by far one of the best guides I have ever had on the walking tours I have done.”

Barbara, United States

“We were shown a city that any other group tour would not have. It has been so interesting and personal. Thank you!”

Lesley, United Kingdom

“Was privileged to enjoy the tour. It was educational, informative and the guide was entertaining throughout. I highly recommend this tour and guide.”

Lisa, Ireland

“Knowledgeable and entertaining. He combined a thorough explanation and exploration of the major historical sites with anecdotes. It was a terrific experience.”

Kenneth, United States

“He gave us an exceptional tour with just the right mix of facts, anecdotes, history and wit. I highly recommend Stroll walking tours!”

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“Entertaining, knowledgeable and a pleasure to walk with. Thanks for the history lesson and memorable stories. He even tailored the tour for us!”

Desley, Australia
€43 per person (6 people)