The ancient world's secrets are being unveiled, one hidden passage at a time. The Colosseum, a symbol of Rome's imperial might, has recently reopened a secret corridor known as the Commodus Passage, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. But this isn't just any ordinary corridor; it's a testament to the power of restoration and the European Union's commitment to preserving history. 'This has made it possible to overcome architectural barriers, with the construction of a staircase that we like to call 'magic', because it becomes a platform and allows descent to this lower floor,' Barbara Nazzaro, the monument's technical officer, told Euronews. The passage, built after the construction of the Flavian Amphitheatre at the turn of the first and second centuries, was discovered in the 19th century. It ensured the emperor's privacy and connected areas reserved for Roman nobility with the exterior of the ancient amphitheatre. The restoration, funded by the European Union recovery programmes and Italian archaeological park resources, received 160,000 euros from Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan, in addition to ordinary Colosseum Archaeological Park funds. The EU contribution enabled the construction of accessibility features, including a convertible staircase that transforms into a platform for visitors with mobility difficulties to reach lower levels. The walls, once covered with marble, were later replaced by plaster painted with landscape subjects. In the niches at the entrance to the route, the remains of arena scenes can be seen. The restoration project used evocative lighting to enhance the space without compromising its historical integrity. A second building site is already planned, affecting a new section of the passageway that is currently not accessible. 'The new restoration work will allow us to recover other very important fragments of stucco and frescoes, which have also been preserved in their decorations,' Nazzaro told Euronews. The Colosseum's Commodus Passage is just one of ten projects funded by the EU to enhance the Palatine, part of the Caput Mundi plan. These projects aim to upgrade archaeological sites, historic gardens, parks, and innovative tourist routes. The recent opening of the House of the Griffins is part of this selection, with the goal of 'opening secret places to the public,' explained Alfonsina Russo, director of the Department for the Enhancement of the Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture. Other sites to be unveiled include the Schola Praeconum, the dungeons of St Anastasia under the Palatine Basilica, the secret rooms of the Domus Tiberianae, and the Coenatio Rotunda on the Barberini Vineyard, which may be the famous rotating dining room linked to Nero's Domus Aurea. 'All of these works have already begun, and should be completed this year according to the timetable of the PNRR,' Russo said. The Commodus Passage's reopening is a reminder that history is not just about the past; it's about preserving and sharing it with the world. So, the next time you visit the Colosseum, take a moment to appreciate the hidden secrets that lie beneath the surface. And who knows, you might just discover a new appreciation for the ancient world's mysteries.
