Gladiator AirBnB battles at Colosseum enrage Rome locals

The historic Colosseum in Rome, Italy, has long been a symbol of epic battles and ancient glory. From gladiators fighting fierce opponents to toga-clad crowds cheering them on, the iconic amphitheater has seen it all. But now, a new battle is brewing within its ancient walls – a clash between tourism and conservation.

In a surprising move, holiday rental giant Airbnb has teamed up with the Colosseum Archaeological Park to offer a unique experience for 16 lucky tourists. The winners will have the chance to “unleash their inner gladiator” in a mock battle inside the Colosseum, all in promotion of the newly released film “Gladiator II.” While the experience promises to be immersive and exhilarating, not everyone is pleased with the idea.

Rome’s councilor for culture, Massimiliano Smeriglio, has raised concerns about the commercialization of such a historic site. He believes that turning the Colosseum into an amusement park for a select few is disrespectful to its cultural significance. Other officials, including the president of Rome’s Culture Commission, Erica Battaglia, have echoed these sentiments, warning against the transformation of UNESCO heritage sites into tourist attractions.

The controversy comes at a time when Rome is grappling with the challenges of overtourism. As the city prepares to welcome millions of visitors for the Vatican’s Holy Jubilee Year in 2025, there is a delicate balance to be struck between preserving cultural heritage and catering to the demands of mass tourism. The recent renovation of the Trevi Fountain, which may soon require visitors to purchase tickets to toss coins for luck, is just one example of this struggle.

Critics, including Enzo Foschi of the Democratic Party, have condemned the Airbnb-Colosseum partnership as a publicity stunt that undermines the integrity of historic sites. Foschi argues that Rome should not be treated like a theme park, and that conservation efforts should take precedence over commercial interests.

Despite the backlash, the Colosseum Archaeological Park has defended the collaboration, stating that the event will be conducted outside of regular visiting hours and will contribute to the conservation and restoration of the site. The $1.5 million generated from the partnership will be allocated towards these efforts, ensuring that the Colosseum’s legacy is preserved for future generations.

In a surprising twist, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s party, Brothers of Italy, has expressed support for the collaboration. Federico Mollicone, a member of the party, commended the innovative initiative as a way to engage tourists in the cultural richness of the Colosseum in a meaningful and educational manner.

As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen whether the Airbnb-Colosseum partnership will be remembered as a triumph of cultural engagement or a misstep in the preservation of Italy’s historic treasures. One thing is clear – the Colosseum, once a stage for ancient battles, is now at the center of a modern-day struggle between heritage and tourism.