Skip menu

Circus Maximus

Overview

The largest performance venue in history

The largest space for competitive shows and games of all time, with a capacity of over 250,000 people, dedicated to horse and cart races (quadrighe), games and gladiator contests. Positioned between the Aventine and the Palatine, at the time of Augustus, it consisted of a central spine around which the races were held.
The space was also used for events related to the political and social life ofthe city, triumphal demonstrations, processions and public executions. Destroyed several times by fires, the Circus Maximus was rebuilt almost entirely under the principality of Trajan. Numerous works were carried out by later emperors, including the spectacular erection of the gigantic obelisk, now in San Giovanni in Laterano, brought to Rome by Constant II in 357 AD.

Walking through the archaeological area as far as the Torre della Moletta, the charm of ancient Rome can be fully appreciated at sunset when a combination of natural and artificial light illuminates the ruins of the Palatine.

Because of its size, Circus Maximus often hosts events, sports festivals and concerts.

Circus Maximus

Via del Circo Massimo, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Related articles

Art and culture
Seven sites of art, history and culture just one hour from Rome

Seven sites of art, history and culture just one hour from Rome

UNESCO
The Necropolises of Tarquinia and Cerveteri

The Necropolises of Tarquinia and Cerveteri

UNESCO
The historical centre of Rome with all its beauty.

The historical centre of Rome with all its beauty.

Spirituality
The Catacombs of Rome

The Catacombs of Rome

Art and culture
Rome's Historic Cafes

Rome's Historic Cafes

Art and culture
maxxi rome matter data

At MAXXI in Rome, data becomes matter

Art and culture
The works by Caravaggio in Rome

The works by Caravaggio in Rome

Museums and monuments
The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, wonders second to none in the world

The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, wonders second to none in the world

Museums and monuments
Michelangelo's Moses at San Pietro in Vincoli

Michelangelo's Moses at San Pietro in Vincoli

Art and culture
hidden rome cultural attractions

5 unusual things to see in Rome, sacred and profane

Tours and experiences
Trips into the countryside starting from Rome

Trips into the countryside starting from Rome

Art and culture
maxxi bulgari prize

Maxxi Bvlgari Prize: The young artists gaze shows excellence in the world of contemporary art

Cultural cities
Rome: the irresistible allure of the Eternal City

Rome: the irresistible allure of the Eternal City

Sea
Ostia: discovering the sea of Rome

Ostia: discovering the sea of Rome

Tourist destination
Monterano, a ghost town and film set

Monterano, a ghost town and film set

Villages
Murale a Rocca di Papa. Photo by: Comune di Rocca di Papa

A tour at Rocca di Papa, a small town where over the centuries various legends have arisen

Museums and monuments
The 'great beauty' of Palazzo Sacchetti, in the heart of Rome, set of the Oscar-winning film by Paolo Sorrentino

The 'great beauty' of Palazzo Sacchetti, in the heart of Rome, set of the Oscar-winning film by Paolo Sorrentino

Sustainability
rome sustainable tourism hero

Rome is the perfect destination for sustainable tourism

Luxury
roma moda

The most beautiful fashion locations to see in Rome during Fashion Week

Luxury
Exclusive aperitifs in Rome's most evocative locations

Exclusive aperitifs in Rome's most evocative locations

Ops! An error occurred while sharing your content. Please accept profiling cookies to share the page.