Roman Gladiator School: Learn How to Become a Gladiator

Recommended by 93% of travellers

Rome, Italy

Trending

Booked 5+ times in 12 hours.

2 hours (approx.)
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travellers loved this

4.7

· Erin_F ·

Apr 2026

Very fun and flexible experience. We were able to easily adjust our time by contacting the school directly. My daughter and I were easily able to watch my husband and sons participate in each portion. They had a great time and everything was seamless.

· Nicholas_K ·

Apr 2026

Great time for people traveling with kids. My 10 year old had quietly suffered through long walks and museums throughout our trip. This gave him something to enjoy. It was hands on. You were able to try on the gear, hold the weapons, then train like a gladiator. My wife and I even took part. Everyone had a great time.

Explore our promoted experiences

Rome, Italy

5.0

(3)

3 Hour Mosaic Lesson in Rome

from US$178

Afternoon Paint & Sip Experience in Piazza Navona

Rome, Italy

4.9

(10)

Afternoon Paint & Sip Experience in Piazza Navona

from US$58

Rome, Italy

Create Your Own Souvenir at Art in the Park

from US$30

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

Discover what it takes to be an ancient Roman gladiator in Rome. During a hands-on lesson, learn how to fight with authentic weapons of the time while wearing a traditional gladiator tunic and belt (available for rent). Located on the Appian Way, not far from the Colosseum, this class is a unique and interactive way to learn about ancient Roman history and culture.

Train to become an ancient gladiator near the Colosseum in Rome
Includes entrance to the Gladiator School of Rome Museum
Choice of lesson times throughout the day to suit your schedule
Enjoy more personal attention with a small-group class

Why Travellers Choose This Tour

Securing a spot at this popular kid-friendly activity in advance means no disappointed young gladiators.

What's Included

2 hour class to become a Roman Gladiator in a Day
Lessons are instructed by members of the Historic Group of Rome
Drink
Gladiator clothing and weapons hire for the duration of your lesson!

Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop off
Food and beverages, unless specified

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Via Appia Antica, 18, 00179 Roma RM, Italy
Departure Point: Lessons commence at the Gladiator School of Rome, located approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) from The Colosseum Address: Via Appia Antica, 18, 00179, Rome, Italy Directions: Either take Metro (line B) and get off at OSTIENSE and take the bus number 118 OR take Metro (line A), get off at stop SAN GIOVANNI and then take bus number 218. However in the spirit of easy access - we suggest taking a taxi (approx. 10-15 euros) to access the school Dates: Daily Opening hours 9:30am - 1:30pm 2:00pm - 6:00pm Return point: Concludes at the Gladiator School of Rome

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Your gladiator lesson takes place at the Gladiator School of Rome, located near the Colosseum on the historic Appian Way in Rome. Specializing in the reenactment of ancient Roman life and gladiator fighting, your instructors are members of the Historic Group of Rome. Begin your class by donning your costume — a traditional belt, tunic, leather gloves, and a training sword known as a rudis.

Learn the basic skills of gladiator sword fighting before summoning your imagination and channeling your inner ancient Roman fighter as you fight off ferocious lions and battle other sword-wielding gladiators. If you wish, you can participate in an optional tournament, complete with a prize for the victor. Either way, all participants receive a certificate of accomplishment at the end of the lesson.

Friends and family are allowed to watch your class from the viewing platform. Admission to the Gladiator School of Rome Museum is also included so you can check out gladiator weapons and other artifacts.

Gladiator School of Rome

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Minimum age is 6 years
Wheelchair accessible
Pushchair accessible
Near public transportation

Infants must sit on laps
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travellers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveller Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveller's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveller's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveller's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveller's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveller's review)

Reviews

4.7

based on 1,514 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Best thing to do in Rome with kids

Richard_R, May 2026

This was the best thing we did in Rome. The instructor was great with the kids and the kids loved the experience.

Best Day Ever

Katharine_S, May 2026

I did gladiator school with my mum. It was the best day ever! It was so fun. I’m nine years old. The best bit was at the end when we fought in the gladiator Arena.

Experience to remember with your family!

Chloe_M, Apr 2026

Our family loved this! Everyone had so much fun learning about Roman soldiers and gladiators. The history was engaging for our young kids. This was an experience they will remember forever!

It was a great experience...

ALL_R, Apr 2026

It was a great experience for the kids. They had fun and wished it was longer; hopefully to visit on the next trip to Italy

A fun activity for...

Meera_E, Apr 2026

A fun activity for families! Our kids enjoyed learning and practicing the fighting techniques as well as the history shared at the start of the class.

Super fun experience for the entire family

Laura_D, Apr 2026

Gladiator School was one of my 12-year-old son’s favorite activities in Italy! He repeatedly talks about how fun it was. Our guide Claudio was knowledgeable and funny. Parents, if you sign up, be prepared to train as well!! We all had a great time!

Thanks!

Erin_F, Apr 2026

Kids loved this and the...

Katherine_D, Apr 2026

Kids loved this and the adults did too! Such an engaging and unique experience that I highly recommend!

Great time for people...

Nicholas_K, Apr 2026

Brilliant fun learning to be a gladiator

Sarah_V, Apr 2026

Wonderful experience training to be a gladiator - both kids and adults had great fun. Hosts were very welcoming, the venue is fantastic, feeling very authentic. Gladiator teachers good knowledge of their subject and great fun

Fun, hands-on experience to pair with a visit to the Colosseum!

Grace_D, Apr 2026

Our kids (ages 9,12) enjoyed battling other trainees and each other "to the death" in the arena after some time training with our informative instructor! This was a fun way for the kids to get their energy out and learn about gladiators before soaking in an afternoon at the Colosseum. I do think this experience is best suited for kids ages 12 and under although there were some parents participating with their kids! Everyone had fun!

Fun before a Colosseum visit

Jade_T, Apr 2026

Was so much fun with my 11 and 13 year old. They were happy to run around even with the younger kids and the information at the beginning about the different weapons and armour was really interesting. My Son is studying Classic's and he enjoyed this.

Big groups

John_M, Apr 2026

Fun experience but they book way too many people into the group at busy times. We had about 30. 15/16 would have been sensible. No room for sword fights and not enough time. Cashing in and basic setup. One member of staff for a huge group.

Fun For The Family!

Jacob_N, Mar 2026

Tons of don for everyone. Mirkus was our Gladiator Guide and was really fun, engaging, and made for a memorable experience. Highly recommend!

Great experience learning...

Seema_P, Mar 2026

Great experience learning about Roman gladiators. Family got to “train” and “fight” as gladiators as well. Great activity for kids to breakup some of the routine tourist activities in Rome. We missed our scheduled time due to an uber mixup and the group was great about rescheduling. **Know that if you are coming in an uber, the address should be confirmed with the driver. Originally, the uber had us arriving at a destination far away from the school.

Fun for kids

Darrell_G, Mar 2026

Fun for kids or kids at heart. I would rate a five but all the adults did not get to have their time in the “fight ring”

Most fun for grandson

Susan_G, Mar 2026

This was an experience of a lifetime for our grandson! Merko was the ultimate gladiator instructor! I can’t imagine anyone who would be more engaging than he.

What a fun experience. ...

Brian_K, Feb 2026

What a fun experience. This was our two daughters top highlight of our trip, and one of our favorites as well. Mirco was so engaging, funny and full of great information. This was a great break from sightseeing to do something truly interactive and unique.

This is fun and...

Brook_W, Feb 2026

This is fun and entertaining experience. Contrary to the pictures gladiator re-enactors / actors are not present and do not fight nor pose for pictures (at least in February). So be aware it is one man leading the group through training exercises and then prompting everyone to fight each other in the “arena”. It was fun and the kids had a great time but if you’re expecting the gladiators pictured you will be disappointed.

A perfect addition to our Italy trip.

Gordon_B, Jan 2026

This was such a fun, informative experience! As this was our first time in Italy, we wanted to get the full Italian experience and Gladiator School was just that! Our trainer was so knowledgeable; we learned so much about Roman history. The gladiator training itself was fun and comical as we had no idea what we were doing, but our teacher was encouraging and helped us feel right at home.

Fun time, but no drink

Corinne_M, Jan 2026

It was fun and informative, but unlike what the advertisement says, no drink is included. We had a good time overall.

Very highly recommend....

Josie_L, Jan 2026

Very highly recommend. One of the kids’ favorite parts of our trip for sure. I found the whole experience very impressive! My kids already want to go back to do it again!!

Absolutely must do when...

Samantha_B, Dec 2025

Absolutely must do when visiting Rome. Our children (and us) thoroughly enjoyed the experience and all the children asked to go again the next day! Our guide gave an engaging tour of the museum and even had the kids asking lots of questions. He was lots of fun and had us all laughing - especially at our final battle. The kids have all said it was the highlight of their time in Rome

Enthusiastic and welcoming instructor!

Lisa_J, Dec 2025

Mirkos was very warm and an enthusiastic teacher. It was just my son and husband as it was the first week in December and was the low season. He was really attentive and welcoming. Thank you so much!

A highlight of our trip to Rome

Kathleen_O, Dec 2025

This experience was one of the highlights of the trip for our 11 year old son. We have Nerf swords at home that we play fight with regularly, but having the whole training experience here, with a fight in the "arena" just elevated everything. Patricio was great with the 2 families and explained everything in an interesting way. Definitely recommend.

Great family activity

Holly_M, Nov 2025

The Gladiator School was a great experience. Our teacher first taught us all about soldiers and gladiators and some of the weapons, helmets, and shields they used. Then we had some warm ups and instruction in offense and defense. Then we went to the arena and fought in matches. It was all fun and educational.

Fun experience

Melanie_T, Nov 2025

Fun experience! My 7 year olds loved the training and warm ups. We visited the colluseum the day before which was a nice reference point to start at.

Gladiator

Eric_R, Nov 2025

This is possibly the greatest tour that you can sign up for. Not only do they have artifacts, old gladiator and roman.Soldier uniforms. But you do actual combat training, it was so fun. Everyone is incredibly nice.The instructor was super knowledgeable, great guy

Amazing!

Emma_V, Nov 2025

We visited the Gladiator School in Rome and absolutely loved it! It was such an amazing experience — fun, engaging and brilliantly organised. The instructor was full of passion and made the whole session come alive with humour, history and excitement. The mix of learning about ancient Roman gladiators and actually training like one was fantastic for both kids and adults. We honestly didn’t want it to end — it was so enjoyable that we wished we could have stayed longer. It’s definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Rome and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for something unique, active and unforgettable

Fun Family Experience at the Gladiator School

Delia_A, Nov 2025

After visiting the Colosseum, we decided to walk to the Gladiator School ; we got a bit lost on the way, so make sure to take your time getting there as it’s a little tricky to find. But once you arrive, it’s absolutely worth it! The experience was fantastic, educational, and full of energy. We learned about ancient Roman history, practiced real gladiator techniques, and ended the day with big smiles. A great activity for families! highly recommended!