Government officials and travel advisors are divided over a newly announced Airbnb event at the Colosseum, with detractors highlighting the negative impact of short-term rentals and questioning the historical value of the event.

In collaboration with Paramount Pictures, Airbnb plans to provide a two-night entertainment event at the Colosseum next year. This unique experience, which will not involve an overnight stay, is part of the promotion for Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2000 film “Gladiator” featuring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix.

“The announcement of a gladiatorial show within the Colosseum is concerning, to say the least,” expressed Massimiliano Smeriglio via Instagram this week. “We must not reduce one of the most important monuments globally to a mere theme park attraction.”

To voice his concerns, Smeriglio indicated that he had sent a letter addressed to Airbnb’s CEO and Rome’s cultural heritage authorities, requesting the cancellation of the event.

Lacey Pfalz, a writer for the online magazine TravelPulse, described the experience as “more of a publicity stunt than an authentic cultural event” in a recent opinion piece on Friday.

“While I appreciate that Airbnb is contributing to the financing of some educational programs at the Colosseum, it appears they are more interested in promoting this gladiator experience in return,” Pfalz commented to YSL News. “Since this is not an opportunity available to all Colosseum visitors and the site is not lacking in audience, it seems that the real beneficiaries are the Airbnb company itself.”

Pfalz expressed a preference for Airbnb to support the Colosseum’s educational or restoration initiatives through a charitable foundation rather than hosting events like the one proposed.

Airbnb and the Colosseum Stay Committed to the Experience

Despite the backlash, Airbnb has clarified that the purpose of the event is centered on preservation. This initiative follows a $1.5 million donation to the Colosseum, which is a part of a $10 million investment Airbnb has made in various European projects over the last two years, according to a spokesperson’s statement to YSL News on Friday.

On Friday, Alfonsina Russo, the director of the Colosseum Archaeological Park, reiterated her support for this partnership, stating that “the collaboration is designed to deepen the historical and cultural significance of the Flavian Amphitheater through activities that are entirely respectful of the monument, grounded in thorough historical research.”

“The objective of this partnership is to merge conservation, education, and innovation to enhance the cultural appreciation of the amphitheater among a wider audience,” she added.

Airbnb and the Colosseum’s Archaeological Park are collaborating with the Ars Dimicandi Association and the Roman Historical Group to produce the historical reenactments that will occur during the event, Russo remarked.

The collaboration will also introduce updates to the exhibit “The Colosseum Tells Its Story” located in the second tier of the amphitheater. This exhibition will launch during the experience and remain accessible to the public afterward.

Details of the Airbnb Colosseum Experience

• Access the Colosseum after dark, guided by a master of ceremonies.
• Explore the hypogeum, the underground chambers where gladiators prepared for combat, and select armor inspired by their gladiator type.
• Navigate through the depths of the Colosseum using torchlight.
• Indulge in refreshments such as grapes, pomegranates, almonds, and walnuts.
• Participate in training for “the art of gladiator combat” and compete against fellow warriors.

From November 27 to December 9, individuals can express interest in booking one of two three-hour events at the Colosseum for a maximum of 16 guests. This complimentary experience is set to take place on May 7-8, 2025. Attendees will need to arrange their own travel to and from Rome.

The event forms part of Airbnb’s Icons experience, featuring unique events and stays. Previous Airbnb Icons have included sleepovers…“`html

Join Polly Pocket for a weekend getaway at Shrek’s Swamp, a compact retreat with Seth Rogen, spanning two nights.

The anticipated film “Gladiator II,” featuring stars Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal, is set to hit theaters in the U.S. on November 22.