Rome's Circus Maximus comes to life with virtual reality

Circo Maximo Experience offers 3D tours in six languages.

The Circo Maximo Experience, open from 23 May, offers visitors the chance to "relive the ancient splendours of the Circus Maximus in the Imperial period of Rome through augmented and virtual reality."

For the first time, modern-day visitors can experience the roars of the crowd at the chariot races that once packed the 600-m long venue, or mingle among the Roman market sellers and marvel at the Arch of Titus in its original 20-m height.

The ground-breaking project, which boasts interactive display technology never before used in such an extended outdoor area, charts the history of the age-old Valle di Murcia in seven historic stages.

Overlapping images of the past to the present-day reality, the 40-minute walking itinerary is available in six languages (Italian, English, French, German, Spanish and Russian), with visitors equipped with immersive glasses and earphones.

Entry to the 3-D project, which follows similar initiatives at the Baths of Caracalla, Ara Pacis and the Domus Aurea, is at the Viale Aventino end of the Circus Maximus.

The Circo Maximo Experience is open each day from 09.30-19.00 (summer time) and 09.30-16.30 (winter time), with last entry one hour before closing.

The 3D tour, which is not available if raining, costs €12 and tickets can be bought on site, online or at tourist information points. For full details see Circo Maximo Experience website.