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Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Airbnb Users Given Chance to Act as Gladiators in Rome’s Colosseum, $1.5M Agreement Draws Varied Responses

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ROME — The iconic Colosseum of ancient Rome is​ set to host gladiator battles once ​again, ​albeit staged, for the first time in over​ 2000⁤ years. This is‌ part of a $1.5 ⁢million sponsorship agreement with Airbnb, aimed at fostering “a more conscious ⁤form of ‌tourism.”

However, ​the announcement ⁢was met with mixed reactions from visitors and ‍housing activists on Thursday. Many expressed concerns⁢ about the impact of short-term⁢ rental platforms like Airbnb on overtourism ‍and the availability of affordable housing for locals and students.

The ⁢partnership between Airbnb and the Colosseum, announced on Wednesday, will see the ⁤short-term ⁣rental behemoth funding the revamp of an educational ‌program within the ancient amphitheater. This program will delve into the history ⁢of the structure and ‍the gladiators who​ once fought there.

As part of the experience, eight ​Airbnb users and their guests will have ⁣the unique opportunity ⁢to participate in mock gladiator battles after⁢ the Colosseum’s closing ‌hours on May 7-8. They will ‌follow‍ the same underground‍ path​ that the ancient ‌gladiators used ‍to reach the arena. ⁢Applications‌ for this‍ experience will open​ on Nov.‌ 27⁤ at no cost, with the “gladiators” being selected via a lottery system.

Alfonsina Russo, the superintendent of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, revealed to‌ the Associated Press that ‌the sponsorship deal coincides with the release of Ridley​ Scott’s new film “Gladiators II,” which premiered ‍in Italy on Thursday.

Russo described the sponsorship as one of many such⁣ collaborations ‍aimed at funding projects within the park. For instance, Italian fashion brand Tod’s ‌has previously sponsored a multimillion-dollar renovation of the Roman monument,‌ which included ⁣cleaning, ‍replacing the arches’ locking system​ with new gates, and refurbishing the subterranean areas.

However, not everyone is thrilled about the partnership. Alberto Campailla, the coordinator of the Nonna Roma nonprofit organization, which ⁣focuses⁢ on providing⁤ housing and food ⁢for​ the underprivileged, labeled the campaign with⁢ Airbnb⁤ as “a ⁣disgrace” and a form of “touristification.”

He argued that Airbnb and⁢ similar platforms offering short-term rentals are “literally driving⁢ people out of not only the city center but also the outskirts and suburban neighborhoods.”

Tourists from other European cities struggling⁢ with overtourism also expressed their reservations about ⁣the deal.

“The Colosseum’s purpose today is to‌ be a tourist attraction, not to transform into an amusement park,” said Jaime Montero, a tourist from Madrid. “In the end, tourism devours the essence of the cities, here in Rome, as in other⁢ capitals.”

Salvatore Di Matteo, ⁤visiting⁤ from ​Naples, viewed the deal as “another encroachment on the territory” by⁣ large corporations.

“If they start to‍ meddle with sacred monuments like⁣ the Colosseum here in Rome, it‍ is certainly a ‌cause for ‍concern,” he added.

The Colosseum, the largest amphitheater built by the ancient Romans, is a significant historical landmark. Constructed in ⁢the 1st century, it ⁢served as the hub of popular entertainment, hosting hunts and gladiator⁢ games, until the 6th ‍century.

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Truth Media Network
Truth Media Network
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11 COMMENTS

  1. Bad punctuation and grammar, disagree

    This is outrageous and disrespectful to the historical significance of the Colosseum. We should not be promoting violence for entertainment purposes.

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