When we think of Rome, our minds drift instantly to majestic ruins, grand piazzas, and echoes of a glorious past. Among these treasures lies Piazza Navona—an architectural and cultural marvel that hides more than what meets the eye. Beneath the lively buzz of street performers, cafés, and baroque fountains lies a hidden chapter of Ancient Rome: the remains of the Stadium of Domitian. With the help of an immersive audioguide tour, this underground journey offers you a chance to peel back centuries and uncover the forgotten foundation of one of Rome’s most celebrated squares.
Welcome to Piazza Navona: A Grand Entrance to the Past
Your journey begins at the Touristation office, conveniently located right in the heart of Piazza Navona. As you step inside, you’re greeted by a professional, multilingual staff ready to assist and guide you. This modern, traveler-friendly hub is more than just a starting point; it offers free Wi-Fi, restrooms, ATMs, and vending machines, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the journey below. You’ll be handed an audioguide device and a map to accompany your visit, and from there, the descent into antiquity begins.
A Glimpse into History: The Stadium of Domitian
Five meters beneath the bustling streets of modern-day Rome, the Stadium of Domitian—the only known masonry stadium in ancient Rome—awaits discovery. Built around 86 AD during Emperor Domitian’s rule, this stadium once hosted thrilling athletic competitions, echoing the Olympic Games of Greece. Unlike the Colosseum, which was designed for gladiator battles and brutal spectacles, Domitian’s stadium celebrated sportsmanship and athletic prowess.
The audioguide brings the site to life, walking you through the history, structure, and significance of this ancient sporting venue. With clear, easy-to-follow narration available in multiple languages, you’ll be drawn into a world where Roman citizens once cheered for their champions under grand marble arches. The story unfolds step by step, giving you time to stop, reflect, and truly absorb each element of what you’re seeing.
Technology Meets Antiquity: Interactive and Immersive
This isn’t just a dusty ruin with plaques on the wall. The site has been thoughtfully curated with modern technology to enhance your experience. Throughout the tour, you’ll encounter interactive displays, 3D reconstructions, unpublished photographs, videos, and detailed infographics that allow you to visualize the stadium as it once stood in its prime.
One of the most powerful moments is standing in the shadowy corridors and imagining 30,000 Roman spectators filling the stands, the ground shaking with their applause as runners dashed across the arena. The reconstructions show you the structure’s vast scale, intricate architectural design, and even the kinds of events that took place here, including footraces and boxing matches.
Piazza Navona’s Secret Identity
The most fascinating revelation from the tour is how Piazza Navona itself retains the exact outline of the Stadium of Domitian. Its elongated shape, flanked by majestic buildings and filled with vibrant life, mirrors the original stadium’s footprint. Essentially, modern Rome has grown around and atop this relic, embracing and preserving it without fully revealing it—until now.
As the audioguide explains, when Christianity became Rome’s dominant faith and pagan festivals fell out of favor, the stadium was gradually abandoned. Over time, houses and palaces were constructed on its ruins. What we now see as Baroque brilliance owes its layout to the ancient foundations hidden underneath.
Artistic and Architectural Highlights
In addition to the historical insights, your tour of the underground also touches on Rome’s artistic and architectural transformation over the centuries. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for how Renaissance and Baroque architects, including Bernini and Borromini, adapted and built upon the remnants of the past.
The stadium’s arches and vaults served as inspiration and sometimes even physical foundations for later buildings. The transformation of this space from a grand athletic arena to a picturesque public square speaks volumes about Rome’s ability to reinvent itself through the ages while honoring its roots.
Not Just a Ruin – A Cultural Time Capsule
What sets this tour apart from typical archaeological sites is its atmosphere. The underground space is calm, cool, and contemplative, offering a striking contrast to the lively world above. It’s a moment to slow down and feel connected to the everyday life of ancient Romans—not emperors or generals, but citizens who gathered for sport, celebration, and community.
Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture lover, or a casual traveler seeking something unique, the Navona Square Underground is more than just a visit—it’s an emotional encounter with the very bones of the Eternal City.
Why Choose the Audioguide Tour?
Opting for the audioguide means you’re in control of your journey. You can pause, repeat, and linger at sections that fascinate you most. It’s especially helpful if you prefer to explore at your own pace without a large crowd or time constraints. The narration is engaging, informative, and never dry—it feels like a passionate historian is personally guiding you through the centuries.
For those who prefer a richer experience, additional services can be booked at the Touristation office, such as combo packages including guided walking tours of Rome or skip-the-line access to other nearby attractions like the Pantheon or Trevi Fountain.
Practical Information
- Location: Piazza Navona, Rome
- Start Point: Touristation Office
- Languages: Multiple languages available for the audioguide
- Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, Toilets, ATM, Vending Machines
- Accessibility: Generally accessible for people with limited mobility
- Duration: Around 40–60 minutes, depending on your pace
The Navona Square Underground audioguide tour is a rare gem in the heart of Rome—a portal into a past that’s usually overshadowed by the city’s more famous landmarks. It gives you a deeper appreciation for how the Eternal City is built upon layer after layer of history, culture, and human experience.
Beneath the sun-drenched surface of Piazza Navona lies a story that shaped not only the city’s landscape but also its cultural identity. Don’t just walk across the square—dive beneath it and discover the stadium that once echoed with the heartbeat of Rome.