Circus Maximus Rome: the Iconic Ancient Chariot Racing Arena

The Circus Maximus began as a simple wooden structure around 600 BC, built under the reign of King Tarquinius Priscus. It was later expanded into a more permanent stone venue by Julius Caesar, with further enhancements by Emperor Augustus, including the addition of an Egyptian obelisk, which now stands in Piazza del Popolo. At its peak, the Circus Maximus stretched 621 meters long and 118 meters wide, with three tiers of seating to accommodate its enormous capacity. The chariot races held here were intense, with up to twelve chariots competing in seven-lap races. These events often led to spectacular crashes, adding to the excitement. Fans were fiercely loyal to their teams—Blues, Greens, Reds, and Whites—akin to modern football hooligans. Although the last recorded race took place in 549 AD under Ostrogoth rule, the site later served as farmland for centuries, its grandeur fading into history.

Today, much of the original Circus Maximus structure has vanished, its materials repurposed over centuries for other constructions. However, visitors can still discern its elongated oval shape, with the spina, or central dividing wall, noticeable as a slight rise in the ground. At the southern curved end, known as the sphendone, stands a medieval tower once belonging to the Frangipane family. The site remains freely accessible, allowing anyone to walk through and imagine its historical significance. Despite the lack of signage, a visit can be enriched by bringing along a guidebook or audio tour. For a bird's-eye view, head to Palatine Hill, from where the full scale of the Circus Maximus can be appreciated. Admission to Palatine Hill is included with a Colosseum ticket, priced between €16 and €18.

For those interested in experiencing the Circus Maximus as it once was, the "Circo Maximo Enjoy" has an engaging augmented reality tour. This 40-minute journey, costing €15, allows visitors to don AR headsets and virtually witness the grandeur of ancient chariot races. Available in eight languages, sessions start every 15 minutes from Thursday to Sunday, and it’s advisable to book online in advance. The tour provides a dynamic portrayal of the stadium, with virtual chariots racing past, the roar of the crowd, and even a glimpse of the emperor watching from his box. It stands out as one of Rome's more impressive technological integrations with historical sites, breathing life into the ruins and engaging audiences with its vivid reconstructions.

The Circus Maximus is not just a relic of the past; it also serves as a premier venue for major concerts and events. In 2014, the Rolling Stones drew a crowd of 70,000, showcasing the space's capacity to host large-scale performances. From June to September, regular summer concerts fill the venue with music and lively audiences. Additionally, the Circus Maximus is the site for Rome's New Year's Eve concert, a popular event that attracts locals and tourists alike. While entry to these events typically requires a ticket, the rest of the year, the Circus Maximus remains a free and open space for all to enjoy. To stay updated on upcoming events, checking the Roma Capitale events calendar is recommended. For accommodation options, see places to stay.

When visiting the Circus Maximus, you can see yourself in central an area rich with historical and cultural attractions. A mere 5-minute walk uphill will bring you to the Palatine Hill, which has impressive views of the Circus Maximus and is part of a combined ticket with the Colosseum. If you're up for a bit more exercise, head to the Aventine Hill, just a 10-minute walk away. Here, you can see the famous Keyhole of the Knights of Malta, offering a perfectly framed view of St. Peter's Basilica.

For a bite to eat, the Testaccio neighborhood is an excellent choice. Known for its authentic Roman cuisine, it's a great place to recharge before continuing your exploration. make sure to see the Mouth of Truth at Santa Maria in Cosmedin, just a 2-minute walk from the Circus Maximus. It's free to see from the outside, but if you want the classic photo with your hand in the mouth, it will cost you €2.

For those interested in ancient Roman leisure, the Baths of Caracalla are a 15-minute walk from the Circus Maximus and cost €8 to enter. Consider crafting a half-day walking route that combines these attractions, giving you a comprehensive taste of Rome's ancient wonders.

Reaching the Circus Maximus is straightforward thanks to its central location and excellent public transport links. The Metro B line will take you directly to the Circo Massimo station, which places you right at the entrance of the site. If you prefer the tram, hop on Tram 3, which also stops conveniently close by. Buses 81, 160, and 628 serve the area as well, offering multiple options for those traveling by public transport.

For those who enjoy walking, the Circus Maximus is about a 15-minute stroll from the Colosseum, making it easy to combine visits to both well-known sites. If you're coming from the lively Trastevere neighborhood, expect about a 20-minute walk, which is great for soaking in the atmosphere of Rome's streets. Best of all, the Circus Maximus is a public park, meaning it's free to enter and no tickets are required to enjoy the open space.

Timing your visit to the Circus Maximus can greatly enhance your enjoy. Early morning or sunset are ideal for photography and to enjoy the serene atmosphere before or after the hustle of the day. If visiting in the summer, remember to bring water, as the field itself has little to no shade.

Combining your visit with a trip to the Palatine Hill is highly recommended, where you'll get an aerial view of the Circus Maximus. The augmented reality (AR) enjoy available at the site is worth booking online in advance to ensure your spot. Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes for a casual visit, although you might want to linger longer if engaging in the AR tour.

Families will find the Circus Maximus a welcoming space, as children can run freely in its wide-open areas. Dogs are also welcome, making it a friendly spot for pet owners. Street vendors are typically around selling water and snacks, but it's always a good idea to bring your own supplies to avoid inflated prices.

The Circus Maximus was once home to two grand Egyptian obelisks that graced its central spina. The first, brought from Heliopolis by Emperor Augustus in 10 BC, now resides at Piazza del Popolo. Standing 24 meters tall, it continues to cast its historical shadow over the city.

The second obelisk was transported to Rome by Emperor Constantius II in 357 AD. Today, it stands proudly at Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, measuring an impressive 32.18 meters, making it the tallest Egyptian obelisk in Rome. While neither remains at the Circus Maximus, their relocation tells a tale of Roman power and ambition, as these monumental structures were symbols of the empire's reach and influence.

Although you won't find the obelisks at their original location, visiting these piazzas has a chance to appreciate the historical significance and the grandeur of Rome's imperial past.