Fabulous evening entertainment in Rome - Last year, I watched a programme on TV with the wonderful Chris McCausland, where he visited a gladiator school whilst in Rome and I just knew I had to visit myself if I ever got the opportunity. Gladiator school by day, gladiator spectacle by night, my family and I had a fantastic visit to this gladiator show over the summer and would highly recommend it. The show runs on Friday evenings in the summer period and we were welcomed on arrival with some tranquil ancient Roman music and incense. It all kicks off at 8.30pm with complimentary pre-show Roman nibbles and and the opportunity to look around a mini museum, whilst our captivating emcee for the evening (a gladiator owner) talks us through what to expect... mercifully, in English, mixed with a little Italian. The show itself runs from 9pm to 10pm and is a lot of fun. There is some audience participation expected in various guises, and young kids can help be part of the entrance parade, before the audience is entertained by Roman dancers and a Roman comedy warm-up act. There were four fighters - including a retiarius - competing to get to the final and be crowned the winner in the hope of becoming a free man. The emperor chosen from the audience gets the final say over who lives or dies, which was very amusing. And we are all given a small amount of sweet wine to say cheers at one point (it would have been nice if they had allowed us to purchase more of this before the show to help enjoy it more!) After the show, there is a photo opportunity with the resurrected gladiators, should you want it. I will also add that the circular tiered seating was good as there were no bad seats, so no need to worry about trying to be first in! Overall, quite honestly, if you like gladiators or ancient Rome, I cannot think of a reason why you would not want to come and see the show. The reenactors put a lot of effort into making the show engaging and as realistic as health and safety will allow. It was excellent value for money, and I would not hesitate to go again if I am ever in Rome. Travelling there: Getting to the area can seem challenging, which is why some choose to take a taxi back after the show, but it really is not so bad even with two young children in tow. We caught the bus to and from the forum (I think it was the 118 - the routes are easy to check online) and it was only about 20 minutes from the Roman Forum, and free if you already have a bus pass, which we did. A taxi would have been around €20 each way. From the bus stop (called Appia Antica/Travicella) on the same side of the road look out for a big sign that reads something like "Gruppo Storico Romano" or "Rome Gladiator School" and follow the long dirt track for about 5 minutes until you find it - you can't miss it!

All roads lead to Rome… - More than expected. Started out humbly, medieval (RenFest) but older. The finger foods and wine were a nice addition. The story’s plot was fun, and the emcee included the audience as much as possible. Pictures at the end were special. “Are you not entertained?!” Yes, yes we were indeed.

Great gladiator show and overall package - Small guided tour and briefing, actually a few snacks, water and wine for free, then we go to the arena for the show with gladiator fights. We loved it super, especially our 9 year old son was delighted. Price performance m.E. more than reasonable. Yes, the whole thing looks like a lay group, but they do it great and with a lot of commitment! We can absolutely only recommend it.

So great we went twice - Second time here. First went in 2022 and loved it so much, we just had to do it again the next time we were back in Italy. Lovely pre-show nibbles & drinks, tour of the museum & the show itself was brilliant. It is very interactive and the small audience (approx 100) makes it very intimate. Adults & kids all loved it. Would absolutely recommend to everyone!

Fantastic night out - On my fourth solo trip to Rome, I looked for something different to do other than going to bars in the evening. I came across a Gladiator show on Viator... so thought as I'm part of a wrestling company, this would be fun! I was not disappointed. I had a fantastic time despite being on my own. There were couples and families and everyone was welcomed and taken down to a museum. We had a lovely host ( Ivan I think was his name) who was just fantastic throughout the whole evening. He was fantastic with the kids within the group and picked out some to try on helmets etc. After a trip to the museum you have the chance to have have some authentic food and wine/water . I didn't try the food but did indulge in a wine. After refreshments we got taken into the arena for the show. You're in the arena for about an hour with a procession, dancers and Gladiator fights. Time went so quickly- a good sign of a good time. Some of the kids got involved too. I would recommend this for anyone travelling alone, with friends or family. I found it easily- bus stop is two minute walk away. Most got taxis but being alone I couldn't spend money on a taxi for one. I definitely will be back on my next trip to Rome, maybe get a Gladiator class as well! Thank you for a great night!

Fantastic evening out - On my fourth solo trip to Rome, I looked for something different to do other than going to bars in the evening. I came across a Gladiator show on Viator... so thought as I'm part of a wrestling company, this would be fun! I was not disappointed. I had a fantastic time despite being on my own. There were couples and families and everyone was welcomed and taken down to a museum. We had a lovely host ( Ivan I think was his name) who was just fantastic throughout the whole evening. He was fantastic with the kids within the group and picked out some to try on helmets etc. After a trip to the museum you have the chance to have have some authentic food and wine/water . I didn't try the food but did indulge in a wine. After refreshments we got taken into the arena for the show. You're in the arena for about an hour with a procession, dancers and Gladiator fights. Time went so quickly- a good sign of a good time. Some of the kids got involved too. I would recommend this for anyone travelling alone, with friends or family. I found it easily- bus stop is two minute walk away. Most got taxis but being alone I couldn't spend money on a taxi for one. I definitely will be back on my next trip to Rome, maybe get a Gladiator class as well! Thank you for a great night!

We who are about to die salute you! - Fun show with staged gladiator fights well performed. Good things the swords aren’t sharp! And someone gets to be selected as the…. wait for them it. To be the emperor and sit on the dais as part of the show. Yes it was me! Lol

What a great show!!! Totally recommend it!! - My son and I went there and we had such a great time! They had everything there and were so adaptable to little kids. They started off with a Medieval themed park feel to it and then there was a little museum where people were able to try on the hats/upper armour of the gladiators, a quick discussion about it and the history and tons of photo opportunities. Then we went to get some light snacks and wines that were used during that time. They were very unique and yummy and nothing that we had tasted before in the area. And then we had the big gladiator tournament where we cheered our gladiators on. I thought it was going to be cheesy but these guys were FIGHTING HARD, I swear it felt like a MMA fight. Afterwards they were so tired and sweaty, you could tell they put everything into it. Then they stayed afterwards to take pictures and shake everyone's hands. Then were some cute traditional maiden dances in between the fights and the best part was that they chose an older man, around 93 years old, to be the emperor of Rome and he had the biggest smile on his face when they took him up to the throne and praised him. You could tell it was one of the best days of his life! I HIGHLY recommend this; just one thing to be aware of; it really is out of town so make sure you know the bus system or get ready to get a taxi back to your hotel (which the staff helped you flag down). One of the best choices for activities in Rome!

Nice little family experience - Good, honest fun. Well rehearsed with nice bits of audience participation. Quick and easy to get to by bus from city centre, but need to time it right at the end of the evening.

Nice as a pity show for the language used by the main actor - Really nice experience... unfortunately the main actor spoke only in English and it seems paradoxical since we are in Italy... otherwise really nice as a show