Roman Gladiator School: Learn How to Become a Gladiator
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Roman Gladiator School: Learn How to Become a Gladiator
By Gladiator School of Rome
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About
Become an ancient Roman gladiator for a day with this gladiator school experience in Rome. This hands-on lesson teaches you fighting techniques using authentic weapons, and includes the chance to wear a gladiator tunic and belt (extra expense). Located close to the Colosseum, it's the perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a unique immersive experience.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 6-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Learn gladiator fighting skills near the Colosseum in Rome
- Ideal for families—this experience is suitable for children aged 6 and up
- Flexible experience—lots of daily times to choose from
- Unique immersive experience with plenty of photo opportunities
- 2 hour class to become a Roman Gladiator in a Day
- Lessons are instructed by members of the Historic Group of Rome
- Drink
- Gladiator clothing and weapons hire for the duration of your lesson!
What's not included- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Food and beverages, unless specified
- Start:
- Via Appia Antica, 18, 00179 Roma RM, ItalyDeparture Point: Lessons commence at the Gladiator School of Rome, located approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) from The Colosseum Address: Via Appia Antica, 18, 00179, Rome, Italy Directions: Either take Metro (line B) and get off at OSTIENSE and take the bus number 118 OR take Metro (line A), get off at stop SAN GIOVANNI and then take bus number 218. However in the spirit of easy access - we suggest taking a taxi (approx. 10-15 euros) to access the school Dates: Daily Opening hours 9:30am - 1:30pm 2:00pm - 6:00pm Return point: Concludes at the Gladiator School of Rome
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2466GLAD- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Minimum age is 6 years
- Most travellers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 2466GLAD
From
AU$150.39
per adult (price varies by group size)
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Harry M0 contributionsWorth the fight! ⚔️🗡️🛡️🏹Really fun experience. There was only my group of three there but it was just as fun. I would recommend taking anyone interested in Roman history or major action and fun. Really good workout and exercise too! Overall worth the time and money for anyone aspiring to be a fighting slave! Pro Tip: watch The Gladiator 2001 and wear sporty or older clothesWritten 21 September 2023
- M5454MDantonion0 contributionsFantastic showFantastically knowledgeable. I, from Sweden, became positive about the whole thing. If one were to see any development opportunity, perhaps a welcome drink and souvenir salesWritten 3 September 2023
- Nicholas N0 contributionsVery Well Done ShowThis is one of the favorite activities in Rome for our boys. They attended the gladiator school in 2020, and we recently went to the live performance in the evening, which was very professional and entertaining. Before the performance, a cast member gave a brief and informative tour of the museum on site.Written 16 August 2023
- 45anitay0 contributionsGreat evening of Roman Gladiator history and family entertainmentVery friendly and welcoming hosts at the Gladiator School. Excellent museum of artefacts and explanation of gladiator history with plenty of interaction for the children in the group. Entertaining show of dance and Gladiatorial combat. Pleasant tot of wine and small snacks. Thank you to all involved for making it a great evening.Written 20 May 2023
- 417cassaundrap0 contributionsGreat end to our time in Rome!This was amazing! So much fun. We learned so much and it was very interactive. My husband was crowned emperor of Rome. 🤗Written 19 May 2023
- Youngcouple620 contributionsAmazing time!Our family of four attended gladiator school and we’re ready for the fighting pits! David taught us about the legionaries and then took us through the full training, ending with a battle. The experience is educational and experiential. Good times all around!Written 13 May 2023
- 287jasminr0 contributionsExcellent Gladiator ExperienceOur experience at the Scuola Gladiatori Roma today was excellent. Xavier, our guide, was exceptional. He made the tour very informative, asked us questions to better understand how much we knew about Gladiators and we had the opportunity to wear some of these soldier's helmet and weapons. The fight training 💪🏾 was a lot of fun. Thank you for your guide.Written 17 February 2023
- CanadianTravelgirl820 contributionsHistory and Training. Fantastic!We had such a great time and my kids loved it. I kind of wished my husband and i participated too. The instructors were wonderful and the completion certificate at the end was very cuteWritten 17 February 2023
- percytadi0 contributionsNever too old to train as a Gladiator!We were not quite sure what to expect as a couple of 50 somethings with an enthusiastic interest in the Romans. We didn’t need to worry, as our host and dottore Olympus was excellent. He clearly is very knowledgeable about the life of gladiators , and has a deep passion for Ancient Rome which was infectious. He even put up with my inability to remember any of the fighting techniques when it came to our own battle in the arena! We were more barbarian than Roman, unfortunately. However, I definitely recommend this experience whether you are a couple like us, or a family.Written 21 October 2022
- 149robv1490 contributionsGreat Show, Great Time!!As a quick summary (but please read the review!): Excellent Show *Knowledgeable and friendly staff *Taste of wine and food *Great Gladiator show Show - (our 9 year-old daughter enjoyed it as did we!!) *Little out of the way (but return taxi's arranged by venue) *Would DO it again! I booked this event as an 'added' event when arranging my families trip to Rome, it was something that we had not seen before and weren't sure on just how good it would be - Turned out it was one of the best things we did on our holiday. (Please note that i have been to Rome on numerous occasions, so have explored many places, this isn't a review written by someone who doesn't know anything about the city) The event started with a tour of their on site museum (it is small, just a large room but was packed with loads of items depicting items form the roman era.) The host was very knowledgeable, and entertaining, and included wider history from before the Romans. After the tour we had some food and wine (water for the kids), which was small, but it was only meant to provide an idea of the food at the time. The actual show was great, (not wanting to spoil anything), but, there was a mixture of games and other period 'in arena' displays. My wife and i enjoyed the atmosphere and my daughter (nine) really had a great time (including crowd engagement). I was even made a roman citizen ;) After the show the people were willing to take pictures in costume, and answer questions Overall FANTASTIC!!! I feel i must point out a small downside, as the event is held at a venue which is a little out of the way. We did walk to the site (we stayed in an apartment next to the Colosseum), but would not recommend it. This said the organizers arranged taxi's for those who needed it so did not have the worry about that - this taxi ride was only 17 Euros)Written 1 September 2022
- 445charlottem0 contributionsSo much potential, but miles away from expectation.Be prepared to be eaten alive by mosquitoes! Performance very Ham, although the hosts are extremely welcoming and kind. Down a dirt track and in the middle of nowhere. The wine and Roman food promised is a shot glass size and some bread with a little honey. It has sooo much potential to be an amazing tourist attraction, theatre and museum, but at the moment is just a bit cheap and disappointing. The local wildlife (mosquitoes) enjoy themselves immensely, after 2 hours I returned to my hotel with over 50 bites. 🥺Written 22 July 2022
- silvergreek0 contributionsLot of fun!Google and reserve directly with the school. Avoid viator. Viator is incompetent. They have the incorrect phone number, they would not use it even when I. Gave it to them, and never confirmed the reservation details. I googled and called them. Viator had the wrong arrival time! The Gladiator, as our coach took us thru the small museum, discussed the historical details, then gave us some great training with a final fight in the arena. Great fun!Written 24 June 2022
- MummyTravels0 contributionsA very fun chance to bring history to lifeA very fun couple of hours learning more about gladiators and getting chance to show off our fighting skills - after seeing the Colosseum and taking some tours of Ancient Rome, this felt like the perfect conclusion by getting to relive it. Our teacher was great, explaining more about the realities of life as a gladiator with some history of the Roman legions thrown in, before all the kids in the group were dressed up in varying armour depending on the gladiator fighting style. Then out into the training yard to warm up (including unexpected press ups!) and to learn some technique with wooden swords, before we were allowed to duel - eventually winning our reward of Roman citizenship. It's worth knowing that this is a couple of miles from the Colosseum, close to the Catacombs (and the tickets do suggest taking a taxi, which cost 10 Euros, while the transfer return to Piazza Navona was 15) - there are a couple of bus routes, but having waited around 40 minutes for the 118 which simply never came, I wouldn't rely on it! It's also - there's no getting away from this - a pricy option, with tickets for two costing more than the 3h tour we did another day. But it's definitely memorable and the chance to poke your family (and total strangers) with padded swords is one of the most unusual things I've done in Rome!Written 24 February 2020
- Luculk0 contributionsGreat fun, see past the exterior and join in!I booked this for our family with a 6 and 9 year old. The group leader was great fun and had us laughing from the start (whether he intended us to be or not!). Ok it’s not glamorous, it feels a bit worn out however, these people are genuinely passionate about their work, ancestry and are great entertainment for children. I have read reviews where people have berated the food or how they didn’t spend time with adults etc etc- it’s an adventure, your kids will love it if you get involved. We caught the metro to San Giovanni and walked, about 20 minutes with great little restaurants on the walk back. A welcome break from tours and central Rome. Would thoroughly recommend.Written 20 February 2020
- ruthpcymru0 contributionsGladiator school in Rome, amazing bonus to our trip in RomeA real must for young and old, mix of learning and loads of fun with great instructors who have a passion for sharing Roman gladiator history - we loved it! Highly recommend - Marcus our gladiator trainer was so amazing! Thanks to him and his knowledge we learnt whilst having fun !Written 19 February 2020
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Waddler
York, UK12,542 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
This was our kids favourite day in Rome - we had 5 days, so it was a good break from the city, sightseeing and ruins etc for them.
Its not the cheapest, but at least you don't need to buy tickets for adults to enter and watch (only if they wish to participate).
The first 30 minutes is in a small museum regarding the weapons, helmets and shields etc. Not the most interesting in all honesty, though we did learn a few things.
Events then get more involved, with circuits for about 5 minutes involving dodging swinging bags, doing a roll, press ups, jumping either side of ropes etc.
Then there's some training on sword strikes and defences.
Finally, into the arena for gladiator battles! There's various games etc - there were a lot of people there on our day (probably over 30) so probably more watching time than for other groups, but even watching the battles was pretty entertaining.
Overall, a good attraction.
Its not the cheapest, but at least you don't need to buy tickets for adults to enter and watch (only if they wish to participate).
The first 30 minutes is in a small museum regarding the weapons, helmets and shields etc. Not the most interesting in all honesty, though we did learn a few things.
Events then get more involved, with circuits for about 5 minutes involving dodging swinging bags, doing a roll, press ups, jumping either side of ropes etc.
Then there's some training on sword strikes and defences.
Finally, into the arena for gladiator battles! There's various games etc - there were a lot of people there on our day (probably over 30) so probably more watching time than for other groups, but even watching the battles was pretty entertaining.
Overall, a good attraction.
Written 2 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alma Maria C
Madrid, Spain65 contributions
We arrived earlier because there was a transport strike we booked a taxi that took us directly (I recommend if or if a taxi) and we were treated without having to wait at the contracted time. Very correct and pleasant explanations. Being the only ones they allowed me to participate in the activity of the children, who had a great time and had our Gladiator to ourselves. My children want to go back to Rome just for the combat. It is an activity aimed at children. They gave us water and there was mosquito repellent. I recommend that you bring a bracelet or mosquito spray even if you have there.
Highly recommended for children and families.
Highly recommended for children and families.
Automatically translated
Written 10 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John M
2 contributions
Feb 2023
Really excellent. We were a school group, 45 students between 16 and 18. This was the first time we'd added the Gladiator School to the itinerary for our Italy trip and we were uncertain how the students would take to it, but they had an absolute blast, a number of them told us it was the highlight of 4 days in Florence and Rome.
Olympus looked after us and was an outstanding host. He had the skill and ability to keep the attention of 45 teenagers for two hours and to make the experience both engaging, fun and educational all at the same time.
Good location too, very close to the city.
Highly recommended.
Olympus looked after us and was an outstanding host. He had the skill and ability to keep the attention of 45 teenagers for two hours and to make the experience both engaging, fun and educational all at the same time.
Good location too, very close to the city.
Highly recommended.
Written 18 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JNH99
Los Angeles, CA35 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
This was the first thing we did our first day in Rome/Italy after traveling from home and it was a great way to start our trip! Our family (two adults, two teens) spent the late morning with Gannicus, our gladiator instructor, who expertly took us through a series of warms after a tour of their small, but mighty museum filled with helmets, gear, and weapons. After our warm us, Gannicus led us through a series of sword maneuvers for both defensive and offensive actions and after a few rounds of practice (it was a great workout!) led us to the arena for our battle. Gannicus, a modern-day active gladiator himself, was a joy to be with and wonderful with the "kids", ending the session with some spear throwing and arrow shooting. Our teens had a great time and we had a wonderful time as a family. I highly recommend this for anyone interested in getting a hands-on experience on the very tough world of ancient Roman fighting.
Written 11 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BennettDrew
Calgary, Canada5 contributions
Mar 2023
Our family went to the Gladiator School (two boys participating, 2 adults watching) and we all really enjoyed our experience. Our boys both loved it and we found it entertaining even as spectators. The instructors are fun and engaging and do a great job staying in character. It lasted about 1.5 hrs and the kids weren’t too tired to continue exploring afterwards. They both said that they’d love to return.
Written 30 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer W
Belo Horizonte7 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
This was one of the highlights of my trip to Rome, and I didn’t even take part in the gladiator training, just my kids 9 & 7 did. We were met by Olympus the gladiator in full costume. First he walked us through a museum section and talked us through the history which was fascinating. He is very enthusiastic and knows his stuff. The kids got to try on some of the helmets and hold the weapons. Then we went outside for the training where he built them a circuit and then taught them several different gladiator fighting moves. I had expected this whole experience to be a bit tame and a “tourist trap”, but Olympus himself trains and fights as a gladiator in modern times and he was serious about the training, whilst obviously having a lot of fun and joking. I laughed a lot watching. Being February I guess it was quieter and it was only the 4 of us there. My kids really enjoyed it and came home with a certificate. I really recommend this experience for kids both younger and older than mine.
Written 20 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KKSNYC
New York City, NY10 contributions
Aug 2022
Absolutely fantastic experience! Our guide was wonderful - short but entertaining historical background in the small gladiator museum, super fun training exercises and terrific sparring fun!
We had a group of 15 people - 7 kids and 8 adults. All of the kids participated, and our whole family (2 adults and 2 kids - ages 9 and 13) participated. We are so glad that we did this as an entire family. Our 9 year old son LOVED it, and our terrific guide really got my 13 year old daughter engaged as well. We have wonderful videos and photos from our experience (including my husband and I sparring against each other and laughing the entire time).
This was one of the highlights of our 5 day trip to Rome.
We had a group of 15 people - 7 kids and 8 adults. All of the kids participated, and our whole family (2 adults and 2 kids - ages 9 and 13) participated. We are so glad that we did this as an entire family. Our 9 year old son LOVED it, and our terrific guide really got my 13 year old daughter engaged as well. We have wonderful videos and photos from our experience (including my husband and I sparring against each other and laughing the entire time).
This was one of the highlights of our 5 day trip to Rome.
Written 28 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gareth H
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, UK3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Really fun experience for kids and adults alike. Our instructor for the day was great with the kids taking part. My son is a bit shy but he loved it and got involved with everything, he really made it interesting and engaging for him. The museum bit was really informative and kids get to have a play around with some of the helmets and shields. Really good fun and would highly recommend!
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy Y
3 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
The teachers/instructors were great. The history given at the beginning was really interesting. The downside was that the teacher/student ratio was way too high and the group was too big. This provided very little time and room to actually practice the demonstrated moves. We don’t regret it but won’t do it again.
Written 17 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ambassador610263
7 contributions
Oct 2022
This place was really fun for our multi-generational family of 6. Only our 6-year-old grandson signed up, but the activity is really geared for the whole family. The spectators have almost as much fun as the gladiators. The instructor was very engaging with his young students and spent lots of time explaining basic techniques. He did not shy away from the more gory bits (all in good fun) but it is hard to talk about sword fighting without the stabbing part! The small museum is fascinating and the instructor made it fun for the gladiators and their audience. Our grandson was so excited and told us it was the favorite thing he did in Rome, even more than gelato!
Written 2 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you tell me if this is for adults too? We will be traveling with a group of college students and I think this would be a lot of fun!
Written 3 December 2022
I watched my daughter do it but would have loved to participate myself.
Written 4 December 2022
Bonjour, pour un papa et deux enfants, combien acheter de billets s'il vous plaît ?
Written 26 July 2022
Is this for adults? Or it this for children. It say per adult but all the pictures are of kids
Written 19 May 2022
J'aimerais savoir si cette activité est accessible même si l'anglais est mal maîtrisé?
Written 23 March 2022
Est ce que c est accessible à un enfant de 5 ans svp ? Je ne trouve pas d’information à ce sujet
Written 1 December 2019
Even though there are several time options to choose from, It says that the class is only offered at 9am. Is this accurate? Or can I get tickets for a class for some time in the afternoon/evening?
Written 12 October 2019
Hi, yes we booked online, and there were a number of time slots. If you call, they’re really helpful.
Written 13 October 2019
Can we book the tickets when we get there or does it need to be booked in advance. The reason I am asking is I am not sure about the exact time I will be that area as we are visiting few other places so want to keeo the time flexible.
Written 18 September 2019
We booked in advance , I think you do have to as well to ensure there is a instructor available.
Written 21 September 2019
Does this include pick up and return to hotel? Thanks
Written 7 August 2019
It does not. We paid for a taxi. They did have someone willing to drive us back to our hotel for 15E at the end of our activity but I’m not sure that is always available. They can call a cab for you if you need it
Written 8 August 2019
Susan C
Prague, Czech Republic
Hello, I would like to sign up my 11 year old son for the gladiator school and accompany him and watch. Can I just buy one ticket for him but get a ride to and from the hotel or do I have to bury two tickets?
Thank you,
Susan
Written 10 July 2019
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