Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo)

The Basics

Measuring more than 2,000 feet (610 meters) long and 387 feet (188 meters) wide, and capable of holding an audience of 150,000, the Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo) was built on the plain between Aventine Hill and Palatine Hill in the sixth century BC. Five centuries later, Julius Caesar gave the venue its distinctive shape—especially suited to chariot racing. The stadium was enlarged repeatedly over the next several centuries, and Emperor Trajan completely rebuilt it in the early second century. Its last recorded use dates from the sixth century, after which the site fell into disuse and became a public park.

Today, as one of the most important sites dating from imperial Rome in Italy’s capital, the Circus Maximus is best visited as part of an Ancient Rome guided tour, which also includes skip-the-line access to the underground chambers and arena inside the Colosseum and the ruins of the Roman Forum. You can combine private Circus Maximus visits with an Aventine Keyhole tour, for the iconic view of St. Peter’s Basilica through the famous garden door.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Circus Maximus is a must-see for ancient history and architecture buffs, and all first-time visitors to Rome. Older children especially enjoy visiting this huge Roman circus and imagining it filled with thousands of cheering Roman spectators.

• Circus Maximus and combo tours are mostly outdoors, so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. A hat and sunblock are particularly important in summer.

• The Circus Maximus is accessible to wheelchair users except for the Torre della Moletta (a watchtower located on the site dating from the Middle Ages) and the highest perimeter terrace.

How to Get There

The Circus Maximus is located between Via dei Cerchi and Via del Circo Massimo in central Rome. Take the metro’s Line B to Circo Massimo station, located directly in front of the archaeological site.

When to Get There

The Circus Maximus is open from Tuesday to Friday for guided tours, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm to the general public. As it’s an outdoor archaeological site, try to visit on clear days when the temperature is mild.

The Egyptian Flaminio Obelisk

The towering Flaminio Obelisk (Obelisco Flaminio) in the center of Rome’s Piazza del Popolo was built in Egypt in the 13th century BC. Emperor Augustus had it brought to Rome in 10 AD and placed as part of the central barrier in the Circus Maximus. Pope Sixtus V moved it to its current location in 1587.

What was the purpose of Circus Maximus in ancient Rome?

Circus Maximus was an ancient Roman stadium used primarily for Roman games and horse-and-chariot races called ludi circenses. The stadium is among the largest sports areas ever built and could seat an estimated 250,000 spectators in its heyday—for comparison, the Colosseum had room for only about 50,000.

What events were held at Circus Maximus during ancient Roman times?

Circus Maximus served primarily as a chariot-racing venue and host of Roman Games honoring Jupiter. These ancient games were typically held annually with military processions. The arena also hosted wild animal hunts, public executions, and gladiator fights, including gory spectacles such as Pompey's famous contest between gladiators and elephants.

What do you see on tours of Circus Maximus in Rome?

On tours of Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo), you can walk along ancient roads, visit a medieval tower, and see race tracks, starting gates, and spectator stands. Augmented reality tours show the arena as it stood centuries ago. The arena is mostly in ruins, and is freely accessible to the public within operating hours.

Is there free parking at Circus Maximus in Rome?

No, free parking is generally not available at Circus Maximus. You may find street parking along the streets and public plazas, but it's advisable to use public transportation due to very limited parking spaces and traffic congestion in central Rome. The nearest metro station is Circo Massimo, serving Metro Line B (blue).

Can I take photos at Circus Maximus in Rome?

Yes, you can take photos at Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo) in Rome. The site of the ancient arena is freely open to the public within its operating hours and has few enforced restrictions. Some tours may allow limited photography, so it’s best to check with tour operators before your visit.

What are the nearby attractions to visit when exploring Circus Maximus?

The Colosseum is roughly a 10-minute walk from Circus Maximus, and the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are not much farther either. The Baths of Caracalla are roughly 15 minutes away along Viale delle Terme di Caracalla. You can also explore the Orange Garden and the keyhole view of St. Peter's Basilica.

Ways to explore

Aside from the fenced-off archaeological area, the Circus Maximus is a public space that you can visit for a walk or rest. To make sense of its history, though, it’s best to book a private or small-group tour, which also includes skip-the-line access to Rome’s other ancient attractions, such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum. The virtual reality Circo Massimo Experience allows you to see the arena as it was 2,000 years ago, while Vespa and golf cart tours pass by the site in addition to Rome’s other top landmarks.

Accessibility

The perimeter of the Circus Maximus is wheelchair accessible, though stairs and slopes leading to the center of the old arena are difficult to navigate for visitors with limited mobility.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Bring snacks, water, a camera, and sun protection, since there’s little to no shade within the green space.

What to wear

Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather, as the Circus Maximus is an open-air attraction.

Not allowed

Drones, climbing on or vandalizing ruins, camping, cooking

Amenities

Bookshop, virtual reality tour

Address

The Circus Maximus is located in Rome’s historic center near the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Walking there is the best way to soak up its ancient grandeur, though it’s also easily accessible by car and public transportation.

Driving

Driving yourself around central Rome isn’t recommended due to bustling traffic and tricky parking, but taxis and rideshare apps are widely available and can take you to the Circus Maximus from anywhere in town.

Public transportation

The Circus Maximus has its own metro station—Circo Massimo, which you can reach on the B or B1 line in minutes from the Colosseo, Cavour, or Termini stops.

Best times to visit

Head to the Circus Maximus at sunset, when temperatures are cooler at the open-air park and you can admire the surrounding umbrella pines and Palatine Hill during the golden hour.

Best days to visit

While the park is always accessible, the archaeological area is only open from Tuesday to Sunday.

Best months to visit

To enjoy the park (and the rest of Rome) when the weather is at its best, consider visiting in the spring or early fall.

Special events

The Circus Maximus also serves as a concert venue for big-name performers throughout the year, especially in the summer, so check online for dates.