Locals Outraged Over Airbnb 'Gladiator' Battles at the Colosseum

Mar. 15, 2025

Airbnb’s ‘Gladiator’ experience at the Colosseum.Photo:Airbnb

Airbnb

The experience, which PEOPLE exclusively announced on Wednesday, Nov. 13, is part of Airbnb’s"Icons" seriesand allows guests to “suit up in historically accurate armor and put their skills to the test to determine their fate in battle.”

“Train in the art of gladiator combat and test your mettle as you face off against your fellow warriors. A summa rudis – your referee– will ultimately determine your fate. May you taste the sweetness of glory with infestus pollex and join the ranks of victorious gladiators since time immemorial,” an Airbnbpress releasefurther adds.

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Airbnb’s “Gladiator II” experience at the Colosseum.Airbnb

“For what it represents, the Colosseum is a world heritage site and one must go to the direction to protect it,” she further added, per the outlet.

Rome’s councilor for culture, Massimiliano Smeriglio, expressed his concern about the new venture in aFacebook post, stating that the Colosseum shouldn’t be turned into a “theme park.”

“The news of a gladiatorial spectacle inside the #Colosseum leaves us at least perplexed. We understand the needs of the Superintendent to enhance the work that deserves conservation and restoration, but with this initiative, we reaffirm, once again, the principle of mercification and consumption of culture,” his post read.

Airbnb’s “Gladiator” experience at the Colosseum.Airbnb

“A principle that goes in the opposite direction of the one we are pursuing, namely that of a heritage that is fruitful and accessible to all,” Smeriglio’s statement continued.

Management for the Colosseum Archaeological Park, which oversees the Roman monument, defended the travel experience, expressing in a statement that the plan is to “enhance the historical and cultural heritage of the amphitheater through immersive activities in full respect of the monument, based on rigorous historical research,” per CNN.

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It further adds that “Airbnb is offering its support to the restoration and enhancement of Colosseum’s heritage, including an ongoing project to restore the permanent exhibition at the Colosseum.”

source: people.com