Circus Maximus

Circus Maximus is the ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium and mass-gathering space in central Rome, situated in the valley between the Palatine and Aventine hills. Its Roman-era footprint measures roughly 621 metres in length and 118 metres in width and it was Rome’s largest arena for public games.

The broad, elongated park preserves the outline of the ancient racecourse and archaeological remains of the starting gates and seating terraces; visitors can walk the former arena floor and see the spina’s alignment from above. The site offers clear sightlines to the Palatine Hill and nearby Roman monuments, making it a popular stop on central Rome itineraries.

Today the Circus Maximus functions as a public green space and event venue where occasional concerts and civic gatherings are held, and interpretive panels and excavations indicate the scale of the former stadium.

Used from the Roman Kingdom and Republican eras through the Imperial period, the Circus was repeatedly rebuilt and modified to host chariot races, triumphs and public spectacles. Its importance declined in late antiquity and the medieval period as the city changed, and the structure’s materials were quarried for building elsewhere.

Archaeological work since the 19th century has recovered foundations and clarified the plan of the spina, starting gates and spectator terraces.

Located in the historic centre of Rome between the Palatine and Aventine hills, the site lies within walking distance of the Colosseum and other ancient landmarks in central Rome.

• Size and capacity: Measures approximately 621 metres long and 118 metres wide in its Roman form and could hold a very large crowd, historically estimated at over 150,000 spectators.
• Viewing points: Best vantage points for photography and views are from the slopes of the Palatine Hill and from the Stadio Palatino terraces overlooking the site.

What to See #

• Racing track and spina: The long, chariot-racing track that ran between the Palatine and Aventine hills in Rome; the central spine or spina divided opposing lanes and anchored the race layout.
• Spectator terraces and starting gates: Rows of spectator terraces and starting gate area built and rebuilt from the Republican through Imperial periods; much of the original seating survives only as earthworks and foundations.
• Modern park and archaeological remains: A large open park today occupying the former racecourse footprint, with archaeological remains and clear views toward the Palatine Hill and the Circus Maximus axis.