As the largest amphitheater in the world, the Colosseum is a famous monument in the center of Rome that receives tens of thousands of people each day. One of the seven modern wonders of the world. Famous sites like the Roman Forum and Circo Maximus are also nearby. Up to 80,000 fans would cram into the Colosseum to attend this event. began in the year 80 AD.
The Colosseum has sustained a lot of destruction throughout the years. Additionally, it is obviously no longer valid. Regrettably, around 25% of it was destroyed. Despite the devastation, the enormous theatre continues to be a stunning sight and draws millions of visitors annually.
Even for those with basic experience, a journey to the Colosseum in Rome can be both thrilling and daunting. It’s a sizable Colosseum. On top of that, it has a rich past.
A lot of preparation must go into organizing a trip to the Colosseum. It’s important to purchase the correct tickets, reserve the proper tour, arrive on time, and arrive at the right gate. Ohhh!
According to my experience, this guide will thoroughly get you ready for your important journey to this old and magnificent Roman landmark!
Guide To the Colosseum, Rome
I wanted to explore as many of the major attractions as I could during my brief visit to the old city because it was my first time seeing them.
What’s the #1 item on my list? a Colosseum.
I couldn’t wait to visit the Colosseum. I had always wanted to see the Colosseum in Rome because I was attracted by the imperial architecture and because of its iconic significance, which convinced me that it was worthwhile to go there despite the dense and difficult-to-manage crowds.
I was aware of the importance of the site and why it is considered to be among the greatest monuments in Rome.
Some Interesting Facts about the Colosseum
- Emperor Vespasian had it constructed in 72 and 80 AD for his son Titus. Imagine how much sweat and blood are used to produce such majestic landmarks as this; after all, the Colosseum was constructed from stone and concrete by tens of thousands of slaves.
- Up to 50,000 spectators may fit inside, and it has 80 gates.
- According to a tourist, the Colosseum used to be an emperor’s bloody playground where 10,000 animals were killed in a single day, aside from the occasional sports and gladiatorial contests that were performed there.
- The Ancient Romans reportedly flooded the Colosseum and staged a fake sea war there, according to historians.
- The Arena floor, where the majority of combat is planned, is one of the internal highlights.
- The renowned Roman Emperor Julius Caesar is frequently linked to the Colosseum. Despite this association, however, he never went to the Colosseum.
- The region of the arena known as the hypogeum, a two-tunnel network where the combatants and animals are housed until their eventual death, is another intriguing feature of the arena.
- As a support for its spectacular effects, it is also rumored to include 36 trap doors.
A few Rules and Tips Before Entrance
- You may purchase your ticket online at the Colosseum’s official website to avoid the lengthy line at the ticket booth.
- Like anywhere else, carrying large bags is not allowed inside.
- Also disallowed are selfie sticks.
- You are welcome to bring a bottle, but please empty it before entering. Otherwise, no worries! There is a fountain where you may afterward refill your bottle.
- It’s advisable to wear your most comfortable shoes and a cap if you want to spend an hour strolling about the arena throughout the day.
Where is the Colosseum Exactly & How do Get it?
In the heart of Rome sits the Colosseum. And getting to it is really simple. Take the metro to the Colosseum and walk for about two minutes to reach the Colosseum from there. The Google map below shows what you may see.
However, the route I’ve put in Google Maps is great. They travel from the Colosseum to Palatine Hill, where you may purchase Colosseum tickets without waiting in a long line, after a 5-minute walk. Appreciate it very much!
Entrance Fees & Ticket Types
The cost of a regular admission ticket to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine is €18 ($16 + €2 for online booking charge). The first and second floors of the Colosseum, including three overlooks, are accessible with this ticket; however, the arena level and the hypogeum, the Colosseum’s underground section, ARE NOT ACCESSIBLE. (To see these restricted places, you must schedule a guided tour.)
Discounted Tickets: European Union residents between the ages of 18 and 25 may enter the Colosseum for only €4 (€4 Plus €2 for online booking). To prove your eligibility for a discounted ticket, you must present identification at the entry.
Children and adults with disabilities (plus one family member or assistance) are not required to pay admission to the Colosseum if they are under the age of 18.
Entire Experience Tickets: Include entry to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine as well as the S.U.P.E.R. sites (the Palatine Museum, House of Augustus, Neronian Cryptoporticus, House of Livia, and Temple of Romulus), cost €32 (discounted: €12), plus the €2 booking charge per ticket. Level 3 of the Colosseum is NOT included with this ticket option, but it DOES include entry to the arena level and a guided tour of the underworld. “Full Experience Tickets” are valid for 48 hours after their initial use.
Be cautious when choosing the ticket choice if you are purchasing a ticket that contains a tour through the official Colosseum website. The English version of the official site is sadly not very properly translated and can be a little bit confusing. You don’t want to unintentionally reserve an Italian tour.
Structure & Layout of the Colosseum
There’s a good possibility that if you go to the Colosseum, you’ll spend an hour or so touring the structure. Therefore, it makes sense to have a general concept of the building so that you can navigate it during your tour.
Rome is home to the biggest amphitheater ever constructed, which is one of the city’s most fascinating facts. The Colosseum was constructed of concrete and sand and measures 620 by 513 feet. For stability, many of the galleries constructed at the time were dug into hillsides.
The Colosseum is distinctive because, in contrast to other amphitheaters of the time, it is freestanding.
Arcades & Stands
The amphitheater includes three stories of arcades and a top floor with tiny rectangular windows. Each floor has 80 arches. The floors above the second floor were open to the general people, but the second story was reserved for royalty. The poorest person occupied the highest position. The Velarium, a retractable awning, was pulled over the arcades to give shade on hot days. Today, you can climb the upper levels, known as the Colosseum Belvedere, and take in expansive views of the city.
Arena
The wooden plank arena, which is now partially covered by a restoration, was covered in yellow sand and used for the battles. The arena had 36 trap doors to help with dramatic effects and unexpected obstacles.
Hypogeum
The Colosseum’s underworld, also known as the Hypogeum, is its most fascinating feature. For the purpose of organizing and efficiently using the Hypogeum, Domitian constructed a massive two-story underground maze of tunnels. Animal cages, slaves, costumes, and elevators for raising animals to the arena were all hidden within this area.
Colosseum vs. Roman Forum vs. Palatine Hill
As you can see from the list below, depending on the ticket you buy, you can access multiple extra attractions when you visit the Colosseum.
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill may also be part of the Colosseum ticket.
A short overview of each of the additional sights is provided below.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill is yet another astounding historical site worth including on your itinerary; it is linked to the Roman Forum and is situated around 300 meters from the Colosseum.
Constructed on Palatine Hill, the ancient Palace of Augustus & Tiberius was surrounded by summer gardens, fountains, plus several more attractive locations. It is situated in the heart of Rome’s Seven Hills and is regarded as one of the city’s historic sections.
To discover the whole of Palatine Hill & learn about its history, you will need to stroll a little.
Roman Forum
Palatine Hill, which is linked to the Roman Forum and is situated around 300 meters from the Colosseum, is yet another astounding historical site worth including on your ticket.
The Palace of Augustus and Tiberius was situated on Palatine Hill and surrounded by summer gardens, fountains, and several other noteworthy locations.
It is situated in the heart of Rome’s Seven Hills and is classified as one of the city’s oldest sections.
To observe Palatine Hill as a whole and learn about its history, you will need to stroll a little.
Best Time to visit
It is strongly advised that you schedule your trip for the low season, which runs from November to February if you want to escape the overwhelming crowds. Even so, it’s better if you arrive an hour before it shuts at 4:30 p.m. because it doesn’t open until 8:30 a.m.
You can check out the rare day when admittance to the Colosseum is free because it can be expensive to enter. Every first Sunday of the month, the arena was formerly open to the public for viewing, however, it appears that their timetable has changed. For further details and updates, visit their official website.
Free Entrance
- Free entry for people who are older than 18.
- The first Sundays of each month provide free admission. The lines are really long!
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