Colosseum's lion cages opened

Tourists in Rome will soon be able to visit underground sections of the Colosseum, where gladiators once prepared for fights and dangerous animals were caged before entertaining a bloodthirsty public.

Officials say the area has been made safe after several months of work. The tours will start in the late summer, although no exact date has been set.

Architect Barbara Nazzaro said tourists will be able to see the spaces where lions, tigers and bulls were kept in cages before being hoisted on rope-pulled elevators to the arena at ground level.