Romans fight back against Airbnb’s Colosseum plans for Gladiatorial battles

With the release of Gladiator II, the world-famous Colosseum is trying to maximise revenue on tourists’ intrigue. It was announced that the landmark in Rome was teaming up with Airbnb to stage after-hours gladiatorial battles inside the ancient amphitheatre. However, locals are outraged at the idea.

Coming 24 years after the original, Ridley Scott’s new Gladiator sequel starring Paul Mescal is expected to be one of the biggest box office hits of the year. It’s also likely to cause a spike in tourism to Rome as the film sees Mescal and Pedro Pascal battling it out inside the famous Colosseum as well as wandering around the city in ancient times.

It seemed as though the landmark itself wanted to use this to increase profits through theatrical events. Recently, the landmark announced that it had collaborated with Airbnb to announce some events in May 2025.

During the three-hour experience, ticket holders will tour the candle-lit arena after sunset and be shown around the underground chambers where gladiators once prepared for battle before watching a replica gladiatorial fight. They will then have a meal inspired by a classic Roman supper and finally take up swords in their own mock battle.

Only 16 people can participate in the experience, which will be held on May 7th and May 8th. Airbnb said of the events, “For the first time in nearly 2,000 years, the Colosseum returns to its original purpose as a venue for performances.” 

However, although Airbnb is still helping to protect the site by donating €1.5 million to the archaeological park that runs the amphitheatre, locals are up in arms about the events. 

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“We cannot turn one of the most important monuments in the world into a theme park,” wrote Massimiliano Smeriglio, Rome City Council’s Head of Culture. Smeriglio revealed that he wrote to Air BnB and asked them to maintain their donation but cancel the event to protect the landmark. 

Furthermore, many local figureheads in the historic city of Rome share this view. The local head of the Democratic Party, Enzo Foschi, said, “We are not Disneyland; we are Rome.” Viviana Piccirilli Di Capua, the head of an association representing residents in the historic centre, described the events as “an insult to the city’s world heritage status.”

In an attempt to defend the events, Airbnb released a statement saying that the “immersive activities” were “in full respect of the monument” and “based on rigorous historical research.” The head of the Colosseum archaeological park, Alfonsina Russo, supports the project, saying it aims to “enhance historical and cultural heritage.”

However, this row goes further than just the Colosseum. Instead, it connects to wider worries about over-tourism in the area, with residents blaming a boom in Airbnb properties for causing a shortage in housing for locals. As seen in other cities across Italy, local people are taking action against short-term lets to stop residents from being driven out by high prices.