Built between 72 A.D. and 80 A.D. under the Emperor Vespian, the Colosseum in Rome is one of the world's most historical sites and is visited by millions of tourists yearly. Made from concrete and stone, this magnificent monument was built with tens of thousands of slaves. It is the largest amphitheater in the world, measuring 189 meters long, 156 meters wide, and 50 meters high. This arena can easily fit a modern-day football pitch inside.
The events which were previously held in the Colosseum were very brutal, and sometimes a few games held by the emperors would kill more than 10,000 animals in single day. As protection for spectators from the blistering sun and heat of Ancient Rome, there was an awning that could be pulled over the top to of the seating to provide shade, also referred to as velarium.
There were numerous rooms and underground passages below the colosseum where the gladiators and animals were kept. There were also three dozen trap doors in the arena which were mainly used for special effects. Although two-thirds of the Colosseum has been destroyed over the years, mostly the result of fire, earthquakes and vandalism, it remains one of the most popular tourist sites today.
Duration:
3 hours
Duration:
3 hours
Duration:
45 minutes
Duration:
3 hours 30
Duration:
3 hours
Duration:
3 hours
Duration:
3 hours
Duration:
3 hours 30
Duration:
1 to 3 hou
Duration:
3 hours
Colosseum Outer Wall |
Colosseum Interior |
The Hypoguem |
Arch of Constantine |
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| About | -186 meters long and 156 meters wide, the Colosseum ha san oval shape although it appears circular | -Created to satsify the public's cravings for games and spectacles
-The emperor. Noble families, and the public had different seating sections |
-Vast network of tunnels and passages underground
-chambers for gladiators, animals, and slaves operated by pulleys and ropes which lead directly to the arena through trap doors |
-A triumphal arch honoring the Emperor Constantine, the liberator of Rome and the brine rog peace |
| Best Views | -Have different perspectives of the Colosseum while standing on the four main entrances | -The top level was lavishly decorated but only a few fragments survived
-Standing at the top gives you a good view of the colosseum intersiors |
-Being in the Hypoguem gives you a good view of the Colosseum interior from the ground up and makes you realize just how vast it is | -Standing 20 meters high and 25 meters wide, there are three portals that punctuate the exceptional width of the arch |
| Things to do | -Check the original layers of the pillasters and arches on the remaining north side | -Stand on top and imagine just how ancient people stood there anticipating gladiatorial games | -Explore the underground labyrinths connecting various rooms | -Decorated with reliefs taken from other earlier structures, the Arch is one of the must-picture places in Rome |
The Colosseum can be overwhelming especially for someone who did not do enough research. So we have done the hard work for you and left no stone unturned to get you the best insider tips when it comes to planning your Rome Colosseum visit.
Going with a guided tour helps you get the most out of your visit to the ruins. You get to jump queue and have someone knowledgeable tell you all about the amphitheater's history. You also get access to exclusive areas of the site which are not open to the rest of the public. Another excellent option is a group tour if you are on a budget but still want to all the highlights. With a competent guide, the glory of ancient Rome can be brought back to life.
The Colosseum is massive and can be overwhelming so dedicate at least one whole day so you can explore to your heart's content. Don't rush and sell yourself short. You already paid good money so you must see to it that you get your money's worth. Busy tourists crowd around the Palatine Hill, Roman Forum and the Colosseum and it can take you quite some time to get through everything that you want to see, the same reason why it is better to get a guide. There are plenty of Rome pass tickets to choose from so it shouldn't be that difficult to find one suitable for you.
The best time to visit Rome is from October to April. This is when most of the tourist crowds have dissipated and the rates for rooms are lower. Weather this time of the year hardly dips below freezing but you will need a coat to keep yourself warm. If you want warmer weather without plenty of tourists and sweltering heat, you can go in May or September.
The last entrance is an hour before closure. The Colosseum is closed on the 1st of January and the 25th of December.
Explore the amphitheater's first and second levels with a knowledgeable guide who can entertain and educate you about the gruesome gladiator battles.
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Rome was not built in a day and seeing the city in its entirety is also going to take more than a day. There are various free things to do in Rome, as well as Rome day trips to choose from but it is important to select one that will help you save time because the lines can get very long especially during peak season. Another great way to experience the city, as well as its most famous attractions is the Rome Hop On Hop Off bus. Rome deserves more than just a cursory glance so when in Rome do as the Romans do and take your time to truly experience it.
