Circus Maximus
Vast ancient Roman chariot racing stadium, now a public park offering a glimpse into the empire's grand spectacles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Circus Maximus
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast ancient Roman chariot racing stadium, now a public park offering a glimpse into the empire's grand spectacles.
"Imagine 250,000 Romans cheering as chariots thundered around this immense ancient arena!"
🚶♀️ Walk the Grounds
Explore the vast expanse to truly grasp its scale. Imagine the ancient spectacles!
💧 Bring Water
Especially in summer, stay hydrated as there are limited facilities on site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Arena
The entire expanse
Picture 250,000 Romans cheering as chariots thundered around this vast oval. Imagine the roar of the crowd!
The Spina
Center of the arena
Visualize the central barrier (spina) adorned with statues and obelisks, around which chariots raced.
Aventine Hill Viewpoint
Adjacent to the Circus
Climb the nearby Aventine Hill for a stunning panoramic view of the Circus Maximus and the city.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Vastness
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Grounds
Explore the vast expanse to truly grasp its scale. Imagine the ancient spectacles!
💧 Bring Water
Especially in summer, stay hydrated as there are limited facilities on site.
Any tips about Circus Maximus venue?
☀️ Avoid Midday Sun
Visit early morning or late afternoon for a more comfortable experience.
📸 Capture the Scale
The sheer size is impressive. Get wide shots from the edges or higher ground.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Grounds
Explore the vast expanse to truly grasp its scale. Imagine the ancient spectacles!
💧 Bring Water
Especially in summer, stay hydrated as there are limited facilities on site.
☀️ Avoid Midday Sun
Visit early morning or late afternoon for a more comfortable experience.
📸 Capture the Scale
The sheer size is impressive. Get wide shots from the edges or higher ground.
🏛️ Combine with Palatine Hill
It's conveniently located near other major Roman sites.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate Circus Maximus for its immense historical significance and the sheer scale of what was once the Roman Empire's premier chariot racing venue. It's a vast, free-to-explore space that allows for imaginative immersion into ancient Rome. However, some find it lacks the preserved structures of other sites, appearing more like a large, empty field.
"No crowds, amazing to see the size of a chariot race track. Makes me wonder if they do reconstructions sometimes - that would be exceptional to watch!! Walked down the length, considering the lives lost on that land. Completely free, 95% access (not wheelchair accessible unless you're great at steep, grassy hills!!), and a couple of lovely restaurants also nearby!"
K B
"A walk through history! 🏛️🚶♂️
Circus Maximus may look like just a big grassy field at first, but once you realize what happened here centuries ago — epic chariot races, roaring crowds, and Roman spectacle — it really comes to life! 🐎🔥
Great spot for a peaceful walk, picnic, or just imagining ancient glory. 🌞
Would be even better with more interactive displays or AR guides. Still, a must-see in Rome! 🇮🇹✨"
Gülşen Karayağız (Gülşen)
"Nothing much here except for some historical architectures. Drop by here for a quick stop and snap the photo you want. Thereafter, move on to the farmers market where lots of rare brands and local foodstuffs are on sale."
Lucas Tan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Circus Maximus is easily accessible via public transport. The Circo Massimo Metro B station is right next to the site. Buses also frequently stop nearby.
Yes, Circus Maximus is a short walk or a quick metro ride from the Colosseum, making it easy to visit both on the same day.
From Termini Station, take the Metro B line towards Laurentina and get off at the Circo Massimo stop. It's a direct and quick journey.
Driving in central Rome can be challenging due to ZTL (limited traffic zones) and parking. Public transport or walking is generally recommended.
Absolutely! It's within walking distance of the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Mouth of Truth, making it a great addition to a walking tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Circus Maximus grounds is free. You can wander the vast space without needing to purchase tickets.
Circus Maximus is an open public space and generally accessible at all times, though specific access might vary for events.
There is no entrance fee to walk around the main area of Circus Maximus. It's a public park.
While the site itself is free to visit, Circus Maximus hosts concerts and events for which separate tickets are required. Check event listings for details.
You can enter from multiple points along the perimeter. The area near the Circo Massimo metro station offers easy access.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Today, you'll see a large grassy area with remnants of the ancient structure. Imagine the 250,000 spectators and the chariot races!
Yes, it's worth visiting for its historical significance and the sheer scale of what it once was. It offers a different perspective on ancient Rome.
Primarily for chariot racing, but also hosted gladiatorial contests and public spectacles in ancient Roman times.
While there aren't official guided tours of the open grounds, many general Rome tours include a stop here, or you can explore independently.
The spina was the central barrier around which chariots raced. You can still see some of its foundations and imagine its former grandeur.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) provides beautiful light for capturing the vastness of the Circus Maximus.
For a panoramic view, head to the Aventine Hill. From the Circus grounds, try to capture the scale by including people or the surrounding hills.
Drone regulations in Rome can be strict. It's best to check current local laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
The edges of the arena, the remnants of the seating tiers, and the view from the nearby Aventine Hill are popular photo spots.
Try 'Circus Maximus Rome', 'ancient Roman stadium', 'chariot race venue', 'Circus Maximus view'.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific play structures, the sheer size and open nature of the Circus Maximus make it an engaging place for children to learn about Roman history in a hands-on way. Encourage them to picture the ancient spectacles as you walk the grounds.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk to nearby free attractions like the Mouth of Truth or exploring the exterior of the Colosseum to maximize your savings. Pack your own snacks and water to avoid purchasing them at inflated prices.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spectacle of Chariot Racing
The sheer scale of Circus Maximus, capable of holding an estimated 250,000 spectators, highlights its importance in Roman society. It wasn't just a sporting venue; it was a place for social gathering and political display. The emperor and Vestal Virgins had prominent seating, underscoring the event's significance.
While today it's a large, grassy expanse, standing in the middle allows you to feel the immensity of the original structure. Look for the subtle remnants of the tiered seating and the outline of the track to truly appreciate its past glory.
Circus Maximus Today: A Public Space
While the grand marble and stone structures are largely gone, the footprint of the ancient stadium remains remarkably intact. Visitors can walk the length of the arena, imagining the roar of the crowds and the thunder of hooves. The Mithraeum, a small temple dedicated to the god Mithras, has been discovered beneath the southern slope, offering a glimpse into the religious practices of the time.
It's also a venue for major events, most notably concerts. Many have praised it as an excellent location for large-scale performances, noting its impressive capacity and atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit