Circus Maximus: The Ancient Chariot Stadium and Augmented Reality

Welcome to the Circus Maximus, the largest and oldest chariot racing stadium ever built, in the heart of Rome. Amid legends like the Rape of the Sabine Women and millennia of history, today this immense green space offers a unique archaeological walk, with remains of galleries, shops, and a medieval tower. All free, always open, among concerts and breathtaking views.
Main attractions:
– Free archaeological area: walk through the ancient galleries and discover the bases of the Arch of Titus.
– Torre della Moletta: climb the 12th-century tower for an exceptional panoramic view.
– Circo Maximo Experience: a 40-minute augmented reality tour to relive the ancient circus in different eras (in 6 languages).
– Events and concerts: from the Rolling Stones to Måneskin, the Circus is now a stage for great shows.

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Copertina itinerario Circus Maximus: The Ancient Chariot Stadium and Augmented Reality

The ancient Circus Maximus in Rome, the largest Roman circus with a 600-meter track. Free entry to the archaeological area, explore the underground galleries and the Torre della Moletta. A dive into history between legends and augmented reality.

Via dei Cerchi, Roma (RM)
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View on Google Images Circo Massimo a Roma

Good to know

Introduction

Historical Notes

Circo Maximo Experience: Augmented Reality at the Site

The Torre della Moletta and the Underground Galleries

Why Visit It

When to Visit

Nearby

Introduction

Imagine standing at the exact spot where, according to legend, Romulus had the Sabine women abducted. The Circus Maximus is a vast green expanse that retains the shape of the ancient track: 600 meters long and 140 meters wide, capable of holding up to 300,000 spectators. Today it’s a free public space, but beneath your feet lie galleries, shops, and a Mithraeum. As you stroll, you feel the contrast between the chaos of Rome and the silence of this place steeped in history.

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Historical Notes

The history of the Circus Maximus begins in the 6th century BC, when Tarquinius Priscus set up the first wooden structures for chariot races. Julius Caesar built the first masonry seating in 46 BC, and later Augustus added the obelisk of Ramesses II (today in Piazza del Popolo). After a fire, Trajan almost completely rebuilt it around 100 AD – most of the visible ruins today are from his era. In 357 AD, Constantius II erected another obelisk (now at the Lateran). The circus remained in use until 549, then became farmland, a gasometer, and housing. Only at the beginning of the 20th century did excavations begin that brought it back to light. Here are the key moments:

6th century BC – first wooden structures
46 BC – Caesar builds masonry seating
~100 AD – Trajan’s reconstruction
549 AD – last recorded use
20th century – excavations and restoration

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Circo Maximo Experience: Augmented Reality at the Site

For a few years now, you can experience the Circus Maximus in a whole new way: the Circo Maximo Experience is an augmented and virtual reality tour lasting about 40 minutes. With VR headsets and tablets, you see chariot races, the obelisk on the spina, and the cheering crowd. The tour is available in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, and Russian. It’s not just an app: you walk among the ruins while technology overlays imperial Rome onto the present day. For me, it was one of the most thrilling experiences because it really lets you grasp the scale and life of the circus. It’s inexpensive and a perfect way to engage even those who aren’t passionate about archaeology.

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The Torre della Moletta and the Underground Galleries

One of the highlights of the visit is the Torre della Moletta, a recently restored 12th-century medieval tower. You can climb the internal stairs and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire area and the surrounding hills. At its feet lie the remains of the Arch of Titus. But the real treasure is the underground galleries: passageways that once led to the seating area (cavea) and now reveal incredible spaces: food shops, laundries, brothels, and money changers’ offices. You can also see a mithraeum with a relief dedicated to the god Mithras. It’s like taking a journey back in time, into the daily life of the ancient Romans. The guided tour is paid, but it’s worth it.

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Why Visit It

1. It’s free (at least outdoors): unlike many archaeological sites in Rome, the green area of the Circus Maximus is always open and costs nothing. You can lie on the grass and imagine the chariots racing by. 2. Immersive experience: augmented reality lets you relive the races like nowhere else. 3. The Torre della Moletta: climbing a medieval tower in the middle of a Roman circus is a unique thrill, and the view is spectacular at sunset. In short, a blend of ancient, modern, and nature that few places can offer.

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When to Visit

In my opinion, the best time is at sunset. The golden light illuminates the ruins of the Palatine and Aventine hills, and the atmosphere becomes magical. Plus, summer is very hot and there isn’t much shade, so spring or autumn are better. If you’re coming for the augmented reality experience, check the opening hours of the archaeological area (Tuesday–Sunday, 9:30 AM–7:00 PM in summer). Early Sunday morning is quieter.

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Nearby

Take advantage of the proximity to the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum (a 10-minute walk away) for a full immersion in ancient Rome. If you’re in the mood for some greenery, head to the Orange Garden (Parco Savello) on the Aventine Hill: from there you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Rome, especially at sunset. Or, stroll over to Piazza della Bocca della Verità with the Temple of Hercules Victor and the Mouth of Truth.

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💡 Did You Know…?
According to tradition, it was right here that Romulus organized the games in honor of the god Consus, during which the Rape of the Sabine Women took place. Even today, walking among the ruins, you can feel an atmosphere suspended in time: imagine charioteers racing on quadrigas amid the cheers of the green, blue, red, and white factions. A curious anecdote? In the Middle Ages, the area became an orchard and pasture, and only at the beginning of the 20th century was its archaeological importance rediscovered. Unmissable is also the augmented reality experience, which takes you back 2,000 years in an instant.