“We’re not in Disneyland, we’re in Rome.” Gladiator fights return to the Colosseum

The experience is free and promoted by Airbnb, which wants to pay homage to the new film Gladiator II. But there are those who disapprove of the initiative, saying that the historic monument is not “a place for games”.

“Ave! Do you want to know what it’s like to be a gladiator?” challenges . If you always wanted Step onto the classic arena stage as a fighterthe possibility comes to him on November 27th.

And it’s free: can wear armor and taste a feast with foods typical of meals of the time, such as grapes, pomegranates, almonds and walnuts, and gladiating against an opponent in one of the most visited historical monuments in the worldwhich was the scene, centuries ago, of similar battles, but much more serious: they were no joke, except for those watching.

The simulation follows the release of Ridley Scott’s new film, a sequel to the 2000 film of the same name, which starred Russell Crowe and was a huge box office success.

The night experience is called “Train for the glory of Gladiator II”, and the “host” is Lucius (played by Paul Mescal), the main character of the new film that premiered this week in Portugal, and which is still showing.

Registration on the Airbnb accommodation booking platform opens on the 27th, and only 8 people (entitled to one companion each) will be able to reserve their place at the event, which will only take place in May 2025.

The councilor for culture in Rome, Massimiliano Smerigliowas one of the first to express his displeasure with the initiative. Quoted by , he said that this is a “humiliating use of our historical-artistic heritage, especially when it comes to a unique monument in the world like the Colosseum”.

But also the president of the Rome Culture Commission, Erica Battagliacommented that the UNESCO heritage site cannot be transformed into an amusement park. The Coliseum defends itself by ensuring that the event will be held outside public opening hoursand which will not disturb the natural daily flow of the monument.

Even the party that dominates the municipality of Rome, the Democratic Party, is against the measure, which is the responsibility of the Colosseum Archaeological Park: “It is a Airbnb publicity stunt which, after taking over the historic center, completely distorting it and transforming it into a large tourist park, Now you want to ridicule the Coliseum“, said on Friday the politician Enzo Foschi.

“We’re not in Disneyland, we’re in Rome. Every now and then, someone seems to forget that,” he added.

“For what it represents, the Coliseum is a world heritage site and we must go all the way to protect it, but also to make it accessible to everyone and to prevent it from becoming a place for some to play”, criticized Battaglia.

Whoever is on the side of the Archaeological Park is Giorgia Melonifrom the far-right Brothers of Italy party: “The Coliseum archaeological park was right to sign a memorandum of understanding with historical reconstruction associationsalso guaranteeing tourists a gladiator show of high scientific quality, coordinated by employees from the Ministry of Culture”, said the prime minister.

Last year, Rome received around 35 million tourists, with aone of the most visited cities in the world. May next year, when the experience should take place, coincides with the period of the Jubilee Holy Year 2025, decreed by the Vatican, which will bring millions of people to the city.