Colosseum in Rome. History and curiosities as well as visiting the amphitheater

Name: Colosseum in Rome
Rating: 5

The Colosseum is one of the most famous attractions in the world
Tickets can be purchased online in advance, for a specific day and time. They are named
They cost 18 euros per adult in the basic version and 24 euros in the extended version
Children under 18 visit the amphitheater free of charge

The Colosseum in Rome, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, is one of the most recognizable monuments not only in the Eternal City, but all over the world. It is the symbol of Rome and the largest amphitheater in history! Since its founding in the first century AD, 400,000 gladiators and over a million animals have died here during the events. This colossus survived a fire and several earthquakes. It can be seen from the outside, but I recommend going inside, because here you will feel the spirit of ancient Rome. You can find practical information below.

Colosseum. An amphitheater for over 50,000 spectators!

Imagine that the Colosseum was built 2000 years ago and already had more than 50,000 spectators (it is said that even 70,000). What an impression it must have made on simple people when today our National Stadium in Warsaw seats 58,000 spectators.

Visiting the arena of Emperor Vespasian

The Colosseum makes an incredible impression. You feel so small, standing among gigantic walls and looking at the place where gladiators once fought, animals, Christians died. Even naval battles were fought here, of course staged, which is really hard to imagine. And take into account that over time, as many as 2/3 of this building was demolished, acquiring building material for new monuments, largely churches.

The amphitheater has an ellipse shape and dimensions of 86 / 54 meters. The tour takes place on your own or in groups. Unfortunately, this is usually accompanied by crowds, so watch out for pickpockets and all your belongings, because Rome is famous for theft and at an advanced level. At first, you pass the lower level under the roof, watching exhibitions and information boards, only later you go out to the terrace with a beautiful view of the arena. You go around it, it is worth going a little further right away, because at the beginning there is the greatest clamp, and on the other hand it is much looser. The floor of the amphitheatre is removed and the underground can be seen nicely. You can enter this section only with a guide, after buying a more expensive ticket.

Curiosities about the Flavian Amphitheater

400,000 gladiators and over a million animals died on the sands of the amphitheatre
The name "Colosseum" comes from the huge statue of Nero, which once stood here and the emperor was stylized as the sun god Apollo. Over time, it was transformed only into the image of the sun deity, and even later into Hercules.
The Colosseum had an advanced system of underground tunnels and chambers. It was called the hypogeum and allowed for quick introduction of gladiators and animals into the arena
The colossus could accommodate up to 70,000 spectators
The Colosseum was built mainly of travertine and Roman concrete, different from today's
In Ridley Scott's "Gladiator", the scenes were shot not in Rome, but in Malta, where the Colosseum at Fort Ricasoli was specially built

History of the Colosseum (Colosseum)

The Roman Colosseum was built in 8 years, in 72-80 AD. Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty reigned at that time. His son, Titus, completed the construction of the amphitheater in 80 AD. Therefore, it is said that it is the amphitheater of the Flavians. The Colosseum was built on the site of an artificial water reservoir, in the area of the so-called Domus Aurea, or the Golden House of Nero.

For the opening of the arena, games lasting 100 days were organized. These included gladiatorial battles and hunting wild animals. In 240, the Colosseum was destroyed by fire, and then survived several earthquakes. For 4 centuries, it was the entertainment center of Rome. It was here that spectacles, gladiator fights, hunting, executions and even sea battles took place. It was also a place of martyrdom for Christians. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the amphitheater was abandoned and used as a building material for other objects. In this way, a significant part of the monument was demolished. Even later, it served as a defensive castle and a cemetery.

Practical information: how to buy a ticket, control, visiting conditions

Location and opening hours of the Colosseum

Location: Arena is located in the center of Rome, at Piazza del Colosseo 1, the main entrance is on the west side, while on the north side there is an entrance with an elevator to the highest level
Opening hours: open daily, hours vary depending on the seasons

Map with viewpoints

Below is a map from the Colosseum and the best viewpoints. The so-called "fake" coliseum is also marked, about whether I will write in the text later.

How to buy a ticket?

We ordered tickets online for a specific day and time. They cost 18 euros for an adult and free for children under the age of 18. Currently, each ticket is personal, so you must also show your ID or passport at the gates in addition to the ticket. The ticket can be electronic or printed (it is best to prepare both forms in case of theft or any other problems). You can also buy tickets on the spot (payment only by card), but then you usually wait in long queues.

Every first Sunday of the month and on public holidays, visiting the Colosseum is free, but you still have to have the so-called zero ticket, which can not be ordered online.

Ticket types

Standard ticket: 18 euros per adult (children free) - allows you to visit the ground floor and first level of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (for 24 hours from the first use)
Full Experience ticket: 24 euros per adult (children free) - additionally allows you to enter the arena and the underground, and the Forum and Palatine opens additional doors
Viewing parapet ticket: €24 per adult (children free) - in addition to standard ticket attractions, it offers access to the observation deck on the 3rd floor of the Colosseum by elevator

Tickets can be purchased online at:
https://ticketing.colosseo.it/en/

Control and conditions

Before entering the facility, you undergo a tape check, similar to the security check at the airport (this applies to many Roman attractions). It is best to put everything in a backpack or bag beforehand, both mobile phones and other equipment. Long tripods are not welcome, it is worth storing them in your backpack if possible. The jackets didn't have to be taken off.

You cannot bring: large backpacks, suitcases and travel bags, selfies, drones, glass bottles, alcoholic beverages and any sprays to the Colosseum.

Attention!! Keep an eye on your belongings and watch out for pickpockets and thieves, especially in the tourist crowd. Theft happens here very often

Roman Forum and Palatine as part of a joint ticket from the Colosseum

Via Sacra, the most famous route of ancient Rome, passes from the amphitheater to the Roman Forum. It was, in turn, the most important square of the ancient city. Buildings and ruins have been preserved here and in a large number. He introduces the Arch of Titus here. The Palatine Hill towers above the Roman Forum. The most famous in Rome, the one on which the mythical Romulus founded the eternal city. There are great views of the city from here.

Viewpoints of the monument

As I wrote, I recommend going inside the amphitheatre, but if you do not have time, the arena will present itself effectively from several nearby viewpoints.

Free amphitheater vantage points

Giardinetto del Monte Oppio - when walking Via dei Fori Imperiali in front of the Colosseum, turn left and take the stairs up (or Via del Fagutale, a nice place for sunset
Ponte degli Annibaldi - this pedestrian bridge, or rather a charming footbridge, is located right next to Giardinetto, above the Via degli Annibaldi
From under the Arch of Constantine - on the other hand, a nice view appears from under the ancient arch. It is perfect here before sunset, when the arena is bathed in its rays of a wonderful warm color
Via dei Fori Imperiali - all along this main street we have an open view of the Colosseum
Altar of the Fatherland - from the arena terrace it also looks nice above the Roman Forum

Paid viewpoint

Palatine Hill - from the terraces on the Palatine Hill available as part of the same ticket as the arena, there is also an impressive panorama from the Colosseum. However, the arena itself looks better with free points

Other Colosseums in Rome

We also had the pleasure to see 2 additional coliseums in Rome, which not everyone knows about. The first is the Marcellus Theatre (Teatro di Marcello, address: Via del Teatro di Marcello). It is an ancient Roman theatre from the 1st century BC. It is located in the southern part of the Field of Mars. Julius Caesar himself chose the place for this object.

The next one is Giardino Grande di Palazzo Venezia. The Venetian Palace (Palazzo di Venezia, address: Via del Plebiscito 118) was for a long time the seat of the Venetian cardinals and later the embassy of the Venetian Republic. It is here, in its courtyard, that you will find the third Roman Colosseum, because the Pope ordered the creation of an internal loggia as an architectural copy of the famous amphitheater.

Other things to do in the Eternal City

Rome offers countless monuments and attractions. It is a peculiar, powerful open-air museum, where at every step you will find interesting, even amazing buildings and objects. Here are some of the most interesting buildings:

Arch of Constantine - stands at the foot of the arena
Arch of Titus - opens the Roman Forum
Pantheon
Trevi Fountain - the most famous Roman fountain, with a stunning Baroque façade
Spanish Steps
Altar of the Fatherland - a monstrous statue of King Victor Emmanuel, by the way, a free vantage point for the whole city
Vatican City

Accommodations in Rome

Accommodation in the city itself is not cheap, and we traveled together, so we decided to go to hu Roma Camping In Town, located several kilometers from the center, at Via Aurelia 831. It's a 15-minute drive from the Vatican. Cornelia metro station (line A) can be reached quickly by bus. We used to take line 246.

hu Roma offers cottages and air-conditioned bungalows. There is a restaurant and a shop open all day, as well as an outdoor swimming pool and a hot tub available in high season. The facility is large and offers free parking. There is wifi and a supermarket across the street. Of the minuses: there is no kettle, the shower is very small, without hangers and has a transparent door, and there is only one sink in the room. Thus, for a couple or with a small child, this is an acceptable solution, while for an older child it is awkward.

Here you will find a wide selection of accommodations. By booking your stay on Booking.com through our link, you support the development of our blog — and we thank you in advance! It helps us reach many interesting places that we later love to show you and share our experiences and information with you.

Rent a car

Exploring becomes much easier when you have your own means of transport. You don’t have to worry about buses or taxis, and you can plan each day your way. The search box below will help you find the right car – right where your journey begins.

What's worth seeing in the area?

If you are looking for more ideas for interesting places to visit, we have it for you some options in the area. There are several attractions within a radius of 100 kilometers, that are worth adding to your travel plan.

Rome, distance: 0 km
Altar of the Fatherland in Rome, distance: 0.9 km
Trevi Fountain in Rome, distance: 1.3 km
Pantheon in Rome, distance: 1.5 km
Vatican City, distance: 3.1 km