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Rome shows off restored Circus Maximus

An archaeological site at Rome’s Circus Maximus is set to open to the public after years of restoration work.

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An archaeological site at Rome’s Circus Maximus is set to open to the public after years of restoration work.

After 7 years of complex restoration and excavation work, tourists can once again explore the spruced-up ruins of the ancient Roman chariot race track dubbed the grand circus in Italian.

A visitor ducks into one of the ancient tunnels that led Roman spectators up to the tiers of seating of the Circus Maximus. (Photo by AFP)

The 600-metre grassy expanse shows few signs of what used to be the largest and most iconic monument of ancient Rome. Now the 28-hundred-year-old entertainment venue is re-inviting visitors to its arched walkways where senators and commons once gathered.

The Circus Maximus was the venue for chariot races of the kind portrayed in the blockbuster film Ben Hur. 

The restoration project was complemented by the construction of a panoramic terrace and better viewing areas.