Training + Museum
Book on TiqetsReal gladiator training on the Via Appia Antica. A family highlight from age 6. Rated 4.8 ★ by more than 900 visitors.
Book your tickets nowBoth providers offer the same experience: the full 2-hour training including museum visit at Gruppo Storico Romano. You can compare prices below — the more people train together, the lower the price per person.
The price drops noticeably the more people join the training.
| People | Tiqets Our pick | GetYourGuide |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | … | … |
| 2 people | … | … |
| 3 people | … | … |
| 4 people | … | … |
Training + Museum
Book on TiqetsTraining + Museum
Book on GetYourGuideBoth providers offer the same experience: a 2-hour gladiator training with museum visit at Gruppo Storico Romano on the Via Appia Antica. Tiqets allows free cancellation up to 72 hours before, GetYourGuide up to 24 hours before.
Yes. For years this has been one of the highest-rated family activities in Rome. Here is what parents and visitors keep telling us.
„A wonderful experience for the kids."
„Wanted to go again right away … absolutely recommended."
„By far my favorite experience of my time in Rome."
„Go there before the Colosseum — you will get so much more out of it."
Excerpts from verified Tiqets reviews.
Children can take part from age 6. There is no upper limit — teenagers, parents and grandparents enjoy it together. One parent may watch without buying a ticket.
The training is held in English (partly Italian). Basic English helps, but most of the experience is doing rather than listening — language is rarely a real obstacle.
Moderate. You move around for roughly two hours, learn sword-fighting techniques and take part in a friendly closing tournament. No prior knowledge required, no special fitness needed.
Welcome & museum tour
You are welcomed by members of Gruppo Storico Romano and walked through the on-site gladiator museum. Original weapons, armour pieces, historical context — the foundation for everything that follows.
Armoury & getting dressed
Tunic, belt, leather gloves and the wooden training sword called "rudis" are handed out. From this point on you look like a 1st-century gladiator.
Camp visit
A short tour of the reconstructed gladiator camp. History becomes tangible before the actual training begins.
Warm-up training
The trainers guide you through a historically inspired warm-up — the same movements that real gladiators practised 2,000 years ago.
Sword-fighting lessons
Basic techniques: strike, parry, step. With wooden swords, safely and under supervision. Just right for children and for anyone who has ever wondered how a Roman sword really feels in the hand.
Closing tournament & certificate
A friendly tournament rounds off the afternoon. Every participant receives a certificate of attendance — the best souvenir you can take home from Rome.
Address
Via Appia Antica 18, 00179 Rome
By bus
Line 118 or 218 — stop "Appia Antica/Travicella"
By taxi
About 15 minutes from the Colosseum
Best time slot
Morning (9 a.m.) — especially in summer
Children can take part from age 6. There is no upper limit. For younger children, the Gladiator Show & Museum is a great alternative.
English, partly Italian. Basic English helps, but most of what you learn comes from watching and doing — not from listening.
By bus: line 118 or 218 to "Appia Antica/Travicella". By taxi from the Colosseum: about 15 minutes. On Sundays the Via Appia Antica is car-free — perfect for walking or cycling.
Comfortable clothes that allow free movement. Closed shoes are mandatory. In summer, bring sunscreen, water and insect repellent — the training ground is green, with everything that comes with it.
No. Companions who do not train themselves pay nothing. Only active participants need a ticket.
In high season (May to September), morning slots are often sold out a week in advance. Off-season, 1–2 days are usually enough. With Tiqets you can cancel free of charge up to 72 hours before.
The training (2 hours) is the active hands-on version with sword-fighting lessons, costume, museum visit and closing tournament. The show & museum (1.5 hours, from 25 € per person) is the watch-only version with a live demonstration and a museum tour. Both take place at Gruppo Storico Romano, in the same location.
With Tiqets you can cancel free of charge up to 72 hours before. With GetYourGuide up to 24 hours before. You book without risk — even when travel plans change at short notice.
Yes — if you take the 9 a.m. morning slot. From June to August it gets noticeably hot from midday onward. A water bottle and insect repellent are essential.
Gruppo Storico Romano, founded in the 1990s by Sergio Iacomoni (nickname "Nero"). For over 20 years they have been running the school and museum on the Via Appia Antica. Not a tourist operation, but a historical re-enactment project run with real passion.
4.8 ★ · 900+ reviews · Free cancellation up to 72 hours before