Traveling through Italy often means walking through historical sites and absorbing the ancient ambiance of Rome. But if you want to step outside the city and get a more hands-on experience of what life was like 2,000 years ago, Roma World offers a unique way to do just that. While not perfect, it provides a playful, educational glimpse into Roman history, especially for families and those curious about Roman culture.

Our quick summary? We love the immersive Roman camp experience, the chance to watch gladiator battles firsthand, and the opportunity to visit the iconic Ben Hur film set. That said, the experience does have some drawbacks, particularly around transportation and crowd size — which might impact your day. This tour best suits history buffs, families with kids, or anyone looking for an active, interactive day away from the hustle of Rome.

Contents show

Key Points

Authentic Roman atmosphere is created with reconstructions of camps and markets.
Interactive shows like gladiator fights and bird of prey demonstrations add excitement.
Film set access offers a unique peek into movie-making within Roman-themed locations.
Educational & fun farm activities provide insights into ancient farming practices.
Limited food options mean you should plan to bring snacks or buy separately.
Transportation can be tricky, so plan accordingly, especially if not driving.
Suitable for families but not recommended for pregnant women or mobility-challenged visitors.
Cost offers good value considering the included shows and activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What is Roma World?

Roma World is a themed park located in Lazio, Italy, designed to give visitors a taste of what life was like for Ancient Romans. Spread across five hectares, it offers an interactive mix of historical reconstructions, live shows, and filming locations. The park aims to bring history alive by allowing guests to dress up as Romans, watch gladiator battles, and explore Roman markets firsthand.

What makes Roma World stand out is the combination of entertainment, education, and authentic settings. Visitors can walk through an ancient Roman camp, browse the bustling marketplace, or witness a chariot race on the set of the 2016 Ben Hur film. It’s a playful way for families and history aficionados alike to indulge their curiosity in a lively, interactive environment.

Looking for more options in Rome? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Experience Breakdown

Roman Camp and Market

We loved the way the park recreates the feel of an ancient Roman camp. Walking past the reconstructed tents, farm animals, and market stalls, it’s easy to imagine the hustle and bustle of Roman daily life. The markets are lively, with vendors offering goods that resemble what Romans might have traded. It’s a great way for visitors to see how commerce worked in antiquity.

The guides, dressed in period costume, add to the immersive atmosphere. They offer insights into Roman life, explaining everything from military strategies to food preparation. The botanical tour helps you understand Roman agricultural practices, which is especially interesting if you’re into ancient farming or just love seeing authentic plants.

Gladiator Shows and Swordsmanship

The highlight for many is the Gladiator Arena, where skilled fighters perform combat demonstrations. These shows are lively, often featuring impressive swordplay, and give you a sense of the violence and spectacle that was part of Roman entertainment. Some reviews mention that the shows are scheduled multiple times a day, so planning your visit around them is a good idea.

The fighters are trained and perform choreographed battles, which makes for a fun, theatrical experience. During the show, some visitors might find themselves wishing for more historical context or a deeper explanation of the combat techniques. Still, it’s an engaging spectacle that captures the drama of Roman gladiatorial combat.

More Great Tours Nearby

Films and Historic Sets

One of the unique features of Roma World is the chance to see the Ben Hur film set from 2016. Walking through this set, you’ll find yourself imagining chariot races and Roman spectacles, making it a real treat for film buffs and history lovers alike. It’s a rare opportunity to see a film set preserved outside a studio, adding a cinematic flavor to the day.

There's plenty more to explore in Rome

Birds of Prey Arena

A particularly noteworthy part of the park is the Birds of Prey Arena. Majestic eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey perform displays that demonstrate their hunting skills. Watching these powerful birds in flight is both exciting and educational, providing insight into ancient falconry and hunting methods.

Roman Nights and Magical Wood

As the day winds down, the Roman Nights offer a magical atmosphere, especially surrounded by the lights of the Magical Wood. You might find yourself captivated by the enchanting setting, perfect for relaxing after a day of active exploration. The park’s lighting and scenery create a fairy-tale atmosphere, ideal for families or couples looking for a quieter, atmospheric end to their visit.

Practical Tips

How to Get There & Timing

The tour starts at the Cinecittà World ticket office, so you’ll need to exchange your voucher there before entering Roma World. Since the activity is valid for one day, check the available start times when booking—availability can vary. Transportation can be challenging if you’re not driving, as the park is somewhat remote, and reviews mention limited service before 6:30 pm, which could impact your plans.

What to Bring

Pack comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking quite a bit across uneven terrain. Sunscreen, a sun hat, and lightweight clothing are advisable, especially during warmer months. Given the outdoor nature of the park, staying hydrated is important, although food and drinks are not included—consider bringing snacks or buying separately.

Access & Limitations

The experience isn’t suitable for pregnant women or visitors with mobility issues, as much of the site involves walking and outdoor activities. Pets aren’t allowed, and indoor smoking is prohibited, aligning with the park’s family-friendly atmosphere.

Cost & Value

The ticket price includes access to the film set, shows, and farm activities, which offers decent value. However, food and drinks are extra unless you purchase the combined ticket. Some reviews highlight that the experience is good value considering the variety of activities, though others note transportation issues can make the day feel less effortless.

The Good & The Not-So-Good

The good: The mix of interactive activities makes Roma World a lively and educational experience. Kids tend to love the gladiator shows and the chance to dress up as Romans, while adults appreciate the chance to see a Roman film set and enjoy the bird of prey demonstrations.

The not-so-good: Transportation logistics seem to be a common complaint, with limited service before late afternoon. Plus, some visitors found the crowds overwhelming, especially with children shouting and running around. As one reviewer noted, “you’re wandering through a green area by yourself,” which can feel a bit lonely or confusing if you’re not prepared.

Who Should Visit?

This experience is ideal for families seeking a fun, interactive day out that combines education and entertainment. History fans will appreciate the authenticity of the Roman settings and shows, while film buffs may love the chance to explore the Ben Hur set. However, those looking for a quiet, contemplative visit might find the lively atmosphere and crowds less appealing.

Final Thoughts

Roma World offers a playful, lively twist on Roman history, blending live shows, film sets, and interactive reconstructions. While transportation and crowd size can be challenges, the experience delivers good value for those eager to get a hands-on feel of ancient Roman life.

It’s a particularly good pick for families and kids, who will enjoy the spectacle of gladiator fights and dressing up as Romans. For anyone with a curiosity about Roman civilization, it’s a memorable way to spend a day outside the city, especially if you’re ready for a bit of adventure and active exploration.

For the cost, it provides a well-rounded day of entertainment, learning, and visual spectacle. Just be sure to plan your logistics carefully, bring some snacks, and dress comfortably. With a little preparation, Roma World can be a highlight of your Roman holiday.

FAQs

Is transportation included? No, you need to meet at the Cinecittà World ticket office and arrange your own transportation. The site can be difficult to reach without a car, and limited service runs before 6:30 pm.

How long is the tour? The experience is valid for one day, but specific start times vary. Expect to spend around 4-6 hours exploring the park depending on your pace and interest.

Are food and drinks included? No, food and drinks are extra unless you purchase the combined ticket with the Roman cuisine option.

Can I visit with young children? Yes, children tend to enjoy the shows and dress-up activities. However, very young children or babies might get tired or overwhelmed by crowds.

Is the experience suitable for pregnant women? No, it’s not recommended for pregnant visitors due to outdoor activities and walking involved.

Are there indoor facilities? Most activities are outdoors, with no explicit mention of indoor areas, so dress accordingly and prepare for variable weather.

What should I wear? Comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothes, sun protection, and a hat are advisable.

Is there a limit on age or height? Free tickets are available for children under 1 meter tall, but the experience is generally suitable for all ages interested in Roman history.

How much does the experience cost? Prices vary depending on what options you choose, but the base ticket includes access to the main features. Additional options like meals and live shows are extra.

In summary, Roma World offers an engaging way to experience ancient Rome beyond just reading about it. Perfect for families, history lovers, and movie buffs, it delivers a lively, authentic environment packed with shows and film history. While logistics might require some planning, the fun and educational value make it worth considering for your Roman itinerary.