If you’re visiting Rome for the first time, get ready for a unique experience that blends ancient history, cinematic magic, and an atmosphere that only a place like the Circus Maximus can offer.
In the very heart of the city, this was where legendary chariot races once thrilled thousands of spectators. Today, as you walk across its vast open space, you can still imagine the roar of the crowds, the thunder of the horses, and the excitement echoing through these ancient ruins.
Why was the Circus Maximus so important?
The Circus Maximus was the largest stadium of Ancient Rome, dedicated mainly to chariot races, but also to religious festivals, competitions, and mass public events. It stretched between the Aventine and Palatine Hills and could hold an astonishing number of people: some sources estimate 150,000 to 300,000 spectators.
The highlight was the chariot races: four-horse carriages (quadrigae) racing at full speed around the central spina, while the crowd roared, cheered, and placed their bets. It was not just entertainment — it was a symbol of Roman power, unity, and collective passion.
What can you see today, and how to imagine the past?
Although the Circus Maximus no longer looks like a complete stadium, its huge open field allows you to walk freely and picture its former grandeur: the oval track, the spina down the middle, and the carceres (starting gates) where the horses once lined up. Don’t miss the Torre della Moletta, a medieval tower that still stands as a reminder of how this area has been reused through centuries.
Walking here feels like stepping into another dimension: the dust rising from the track, the thunder of hooves, the tension of the races, and the roar of a crowd that once filled this valley.
Cinema and the Circus Maximus
The Circus Maximus has also inspired filmmakers and epic storytelling:
The legendary Ben-Hur (1959) chariot race scene was inspired by the Circus Maximus, although filmed on massive sets.
The Ben-Hur remake (2016) originally planned to shoot directly at the Circus Maximus, but filming was not allowed due to preservation concerns. Instead, the race was recreated at Cinecittà Studios.
Many film guides to Rome highlight the Circus Maximus as one of the city’s iconic cinematic landmarks, evoking the thrill of chariot races that shaped both Roman history and Hollywood epics.
So while you walk across the site, you’re not only stepping on ancient history but also into a space that has inspired great cinematic moments…
How to visit the Circus Maximus?
Free and open access: The Circus Maximus is a public site, and you can walk through it at no cost.
Easy to reach: The metro station Circo Massimo (Line B) is right next to the site. Several bus lines also stop nearby.
Comfort tips: Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and if possible, visit at sunrise or sunset for softer light and fewer crowds.
Guided visits: To better understand its history and hidden details, consider joining a guided tour or using an audio guide.
And if you want a hassle-free way to include it in your itinerary, hop off at the dedicated stop Circo Massimo & Bocca della Verità with Roma City Tour, explore the site, and then continue to other must-see landmarks in Rome at your own pace.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Circus Maximus is how it continues to inspire imagination. Guides often compare it to the great cinematic recreations of Ben-Hur, where you can almost hear the clashing wheels, the thundering hooves, and the cries of victory.
Even if modern film crews can’t recreate scenes here, just knowing that the Circus Maximus was considered as a filming location shows its cultural weight and timeless appeal.
Visiting the Circus Maximus is much more than seeing ruins — it’s stepping into history and feeling like a character in a Roman epic. Here, entertainment, politics, and culture all came together in one monumental space.
¡Enjoy the Rome City Tour tourist bus hop on hop off, get off at Circo Massimo & Bocca della Verità, explore at your own pace, and keep discovering Rome’s iconic landmarks!
