Colosseum Rome

Colosseum Rome | Among the Seven Wonders Of The Modern World

Rome is among the most beautiful and thrilling cities nested in Southern Europe that experiences a footfall of no less than 7 million tourists each year. You will be thrilled to choose from the wide array of masterpieces, extraordinary architecture, and stories of ancient times. An eternal icon of Rome that generates attraction, is the Roman Colosseum. It was once used to be the site of an artificial lake that was drained to make way for the Roman Colosseum signifying the end of a tyrannical rule. The Colosseum Rome was structured to accommodate a total of 70000 guests of which 60000 could be seated while the rest 10000 could stand. The Colosseum architecture from the outside looks equivalent to a 12-storied building as it has arches and columns depicted in various styles.


The bottom level is of Tuscan style, the top is of Corinthian whereas the middle level showcases the Ionic style. The Colosseum Rome is seen particularly white in color but the Arena is built using black & red blocks of stone. The floor of the Arena was wooden that was covered with sand to avert soldiers from slipping. The soldiers used to enter the Coliseum Arena from a Gate of Life and the Gate of Death was for the exit of the soldiers who died during the fight. One can explore all these areas during the visit to the Colosseum, Rome, and learn all about ancient times and the history behind the architectureo of Colleseum.

Why Is The Colosseum A Must-Visit Attraction In Rome

  • The Roman Colosseum one of the famous places to visit in Rome, constructed in the 1st century CE, stands as one of the oldest and most remarkable structures in history. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the glory of the Roman empire as you visit the Colosseum and envision the cheers of 50,000 ancient spectators eager to witness thrilling gladiator battles.


  • Recently opened to the public in 2018, the Colosseum Underground provides a rare glimpse into the backstage area where gladiators prepared for their epic clashes. Beyond being a grand Coliseum arena, the Colosseum boasts multiple levels, including the hypogeum, which housed combat animals. The arena's floor, covered with sand, was placed atop this structure.


  • Adjacent to the Roman Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine stands tall, representing the largest triumphal arch in Rome, offering further historical wonders to explore.


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Who Built The Colosseum?


The Colosseum's construction involved the collaborative efforts of multiple emperors, including Vespasian, Titus, Domitian, and the Flavian rulers. Vespasian initiated the grand structure to quell discontent following Nero's turbulent reign. Later, Titus inaugurated the amphitheater with a grand spectacle of 100 days of games. Domitian, Vespasian's other son, contributed modifications and introduced new elements, such as the impressive Hypogea.


Together, these emperors crafted an enduring symbol of Roman prowess, entertaining and pleasing the citizens while showcasing the empire's architectural and cultural achievements. The Colossal Amphitheater remains a testament to their legacy, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness its splendor.


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What To See In Colosseum Rome?

Colosseum Outer Wall

At 186 meters long and 156 meters broad, the Colosseum Rome has an oval form that appears almost spherical, one of the best places to visit in Rome. The outer wall is made of a travertine marble structure supported by iron clamps instead of mortar, It suffered massive destruction by multiple earthquakes, and its whole south side fell in the 1349 earthquake.


Although the fallen stone was utilized to build structures all throughout Rome, the original levels of pillars and arches can still be seen on the north side. The first story is Doric, the middle is Ionic, and the top is Corinthian. What looks to be the Colosseum's outside wall is really the ancient inner wall. Only parts of the four major entrances' original reliefs remain.


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Colosseum Interior

Roman Colosseum Interior had a well-defined level-wise seating structure for people where the public occupied the third and fourth levels, and the noble households sat on the second course. The 50,000 spectators could quickly find their seats or depart thanks to properly planned seating rows, interior tunnels, and staircase. Originally, an umbrella above the audience was supported by 240 poles that were placed around the upper level's walls.


Only a few elements of the magnificently adorned interior's entirety still exist to provide a glimpse of what it may have looked like over the first several centuries. The Christian victims who were said to have perished here during the Roman Imperial period are remembered with a bronze cross at one end of the arena. In actuality, there is limited evidence of amphitheater use.


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The Hypogeum

The wooden, sand-coated arena surface was 83 by 48 meters. The walls of the hypogeum, a massive two-story subterranean maze of tunnels linking Colosseum gladiators training areas, prisons for exotic wild animals, and storerooms that were concealed beneath the floor, may now be seen because it was long since demolished. The stadium was filled with water occasionally for imaginary sea battles, and sophisticated equipment was used to pull scenery and caged animals into the arena.

Arena

The Arch of Constantine, which is situated next to the Colosseum, is a triumphal arch dedicated to Emperor Constantine, who was declared "liberator of the city and bringer of peace" after winning the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312. Despite being integrated for many years (together with the Roman Colosseum) into the Frangipani family's castle, this 21m tall Roman structure is renowned to be the biggest and the best preserved triumphal arch in Rome.A boar hunt and an Apollo sacrifice are the themes shown on the arch, which is embellished with reliefs from older constructions.


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Emperor’s Seat

The Colosseum's imperial seat offered an unparalleled view of the unfolding arena events. The Roman elite and political dignitaries occupied the highest tier, sitting alongside the king. Positioned above the common citizens, this strategic placement of the seat represented power and authority, serving as a symbol of their elevated status in society. From this vantage point, the privileged few could bask in the grandeur of the games and assert their prominence in the Roman Empire.


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Second Floor

The second floor, also known as the second tier, accommodated the Roman upper class, comprising government officials and businessmen. Here, one could relish a higher vantage point, marveling at the grand scale of the amphitheater. Additionally, the Colosseum Museum on this level offered a deeper insight into the monument's rich history, Colleseum providing visitors with a chance to explore and learn more about the fascinating past of this iconic structure.


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Belvedere Terrace

As the name suggests, the Belvedere terrace is at the top of the Colosseum. The terrace offers panoramic views of the Colosseum and the city of Rome. Unlike other sections which are either on a surface level or underground, you'll get to experience the Roman Colosseum from an incredible height at the third tier. Do note that most tours don't offer access to the third tier so make sure you book a Colleseum guided tour that explicitly mentions it. 


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The Gate Of Death

The western exit of the Colosseum earned the name "Gate of Death" as it was the passage through which fallen gladiators were carried out. Among the 80 gates, 76 were accessible to the general public, while the north and south entrances were reserved for dignitaries. Gladiators entered through the eastern gate, and their fallen comrades were solemnly removed through the western gate. Each of these gates played a distinctive role in the grand spectacle that unfolded within the iconic Roman Colosseum's walls.

History Of Colosseum

When we look at this wonder of the world, we do nothing but think about the story behind it and its magnificent structure . The Colosseum Rome History has more to it than just architecture. Did you know that the Flavian dynasty's ruler Vespasian built Rome's Colosseum as a present to the citizens of Rome. The building of this engineering marvel started in AD 70-72 and took more than just decades to finish.


In AD 80, Titus, Emperor Vespasian's son, inaugurated the edifice. As it was known at the time, the Flavian Amphitheater included a hundred days of entertainment, including gladiator combat and wild animal battles. Romans used the Colosseum to stage plays, mock combat, and public executions over time. The Colosseum is said to have been used as a chapel, a fortification, and a quarry by Roman families.


During the height of the Roman Empire, the Romans made extensive use of it.While the Romans used it extensively at the Roman Empire's pinnacle, it fell into ruin by the twentieth century as a result of theft, and negligence, and due to natural hazards such as floods and lightning, where two-thirds of this beautiful monument was demolished. The monument is currently ancient Rome's most known legacy, attracting millions of tourists worldwide, owing to restoration efforts that began in the 1990s.


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Interesting Facts about Colosseum Rome

Here are some of the least-known facts about Colosseum that you should know before visiting:

  • Because emperors utilized these games to acquire political favor, the entry to the Colosseum Rome was free for residents of the empire who did not have money.
  • The Colosseum has claimed the lives of over 500,000 people and over one million animals.
  • Julius Caesar, the legendary Roman Emperor, is frequently connected with the Colosseum. Despite this affiliation, he never visited the Colosseum.
  • The Colosseum Rome was elliptical in shape, unlike other amphitheaters of the time. Spectators would receive a bird's eye glimpse of the arena or action region with this feature.
  • The Colosseum, which was planned to house 80,000 spectators, was constructed without the use of sophisticated machinery or heavy equipment.
  • There were 80 magnificent entrances, as well as a dozen interior portals, tunnels, stairs, and corridors throughout the construction. This assisted in crowd management as well as the rapid dispersal of the crowd in the amphitheater without provoking panic.
  • There were hand-operated lifts and trap doors that were utilized in the arena by the technologically trained Romans to create illusions for audiences while gladiators battled.


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What Does the Name 'Colosseum' Mean?

The name "Colosseum" is derived from the Latin term "colossus," which refers to statues that are larger than life. Colloseum is attributed to the presence of a massive 30-meter statue of Nero in close proximity to the amphitheater, rather than solely due to the immense scale of the structure itself.

Design Of The Colosseum

  • The Colosseum, located in the heart of Rome, stands out from previous amphitheaters as it is a self-supporting structure, not built on hillsides or made of temporary wood.


  • With 3 stories above the ground, the Roman Colosseum had a remarkable capacity, estimated to accommodate 50,000 to 70,000 spectators during its prime.


  • Beneath the ground, the Colosseum featured an underground floor, known as the hypogea, where gladiators and animals were housed.


  • The central arena, a wooden floor, Colleseum served as the battleground for gladiator fights and duels with beasts.


  • Colesseum Ingenious freight elevators lifted animals and machinery from the hypogea to the arena for the events.


  • The Colosseum's exterior boasted columns of different styles - Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian - adding to its architectural grandeur.


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Know Before You Go To Colosseum

Essential Information
How to Reach
Entrances
Facilities
Tips
Eat
Nearby Places

Location:- The Colosseum Rome is located in Piazza del Colosseo, 1 in Rome, Italy.


Timings:

  • The regular timings for the opening of the Colosseum Rome are from 8:30 in the morning.
  • Coliseum normally shuts at 5 pm in the winter, and depending on the time of year, it can stay open until 7:15 pm for the rest of the year.
  • On June 5th the opening timings are from 1:30 in the afternoon because of the Italian National Day.
  • The Colosseum is closed on Jan 1st and 25th December.


Best time to Visit: The best time to visit Colosseum Rome is during the early morning hours before the crowds arrive whereas the days are considered to be during the week as it is comparatively lesser crowded than the weekends. For those who wish to spend extra and enjoy the night tour of the Colosseum Rome then it is quite intriguing but it won’t include the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in the ticket.


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  • The large public transportation network in Rome provides excellent access to the Colosseum. It is accessible via metro, various bus routes, and tram.
  • The list consists of all public transportation alternatives for getting to the Colosseum from any place in Rome.
  • Take the B line to the Colosseum metro station.
  • Take the A-line to Manzoni and then change to the number 3 metro line heading south.
  • 60, 75, 85, 87, 271, 571, 175, 186, 810, 850, C3, and 117 are the bus routes for one who wants to go via public transport.
  • You may also take a taxi if you don't want to utilize public transportation
  • To make sure it's an official, licensed cab you can check if they have a "TAXI" sign on the roof of the cab


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Sperone Valadier Entrance: Situated facing the forums, this access point is designated for individual visitors holding timed tickets, guided tour passes, or audio-visual guide tickets. On average, the waiting period here spans around 45 minutes.


Group Gate: Positioned on the northern side of the arena, this entryway is exclusively intended for groups ranging from 14 to 50 members, accompanied by a professional tour guide. Typically, the waiting duration at this gate ranges from 15 to 20 minutes.


Stern Gate: Situated opposite the main entrance, the Stern Gate serves groups, schools, or attendees accompanied by an authorized guide. Their tickets grant them access to the Underground Colosseum, Colosseum Arena, and the Belvedere. The average waiting time at this gate hovers around 10 to 15 minutes.


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  • Restrooms
  • AED defibrillators
  • Resting areas
  • Elevators
  • Tactile guide
  • Wheelchair


Know More: Plan Your Visit To Colosseum

Opt for a Guided Experience: Enhance your visit by considering a guided tour of the Colosseum. These tours not only offer historical insights and intriguing facts but also the advantage of skipping long lines, potentially saving you valuable time.


Explore Combo Ticket Options: Make the most of your visit by checking for combo tickets that grant you access to not only the Colosseum but also the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. This bundled approach can be a cost-effective way to enjoy multiple attractions in a single day.


Dress Smartly: Keep in mind that the Colosseum is an open-air site, subject to both hot temperatures in summer and chilly conditions in winter. Opt for comfortable footwear suitable for walking on uneven historic terrain. Don't forget to bring along a hat and sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun.


Stay Hydrated: Inside the Colosseum, you'll find water fountains where you can refill your water bottle at no cost. Staying hydrated is essential, so take advantage of this amenity to ensure a pleasant and comfortable visit.

Dining Choices Near the Colosseum: Although there are no restaurants within the Colosseum itself, there are several dining establishments conveniently located within walking distance:


La Licata: Indulge in delightful breakfast pastries and coffee at La Licata.


Al 42 Street Chef Gourmet: Savor Roman-style fast food made to order at Al 42 Street Chef Gourmet.


Fatamorgana: Craving gelato? Head over to Fatamorgana for a diverse selection of flavors, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.


Li Rioni: Positioned with a view of the Colosseum, Li Rioni is an excellent spot to relish suppli and thin Roman-style pizza while enjoying the surroundings.

Basilica San Clemente: Found 1.9 km away, this Roman Catholic minor basilica is dedicated to Pope Clement I and is located within Rome.


Arch of Constantine: Positioned 2.7 km away, the Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. It was erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine I's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312.


The Basilica of the Santi Quattro Coronati: Located 3 km away, this church, dating back to the 4th or 5th century, is devoted to four anonymous saints and martyrs.


Temple of Venus and Roma: Believed to be the largest temple in Ancient Rome, it rested on the Velian Hill, positioned between the eastern edge of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. The temple was dedicated to the goddesses Venus Felix and Roma Aeterna.

FAQs

How long does it take to complete a Colosseum tour?

Self-guided tours of the Roman Colosseum will take around an hour, including time for photographs and, of course, selfies. Guided tours typically run an hour and a half to an hour and 45 minutes.

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What are the Colosseum opening hours?

The regular timings for the opening of the Colosseum are from 8:30 in the morning. It normally shuts at 5 pm in the winter, and depending on the time of year, it can stay open until 7:15 pm for the rest of the year.

Should you buy Colosseum tickets in advance?

The Roman Colosseum requires advance reservations for all visiting. The easiest approach to getting Colosseum Rome Tickets is to do it in advance and online. You may choose your desired day and time period for this approach, but please remember the closing time before you visit Colosseum Rome.

Why is the Colosseum so damaged?

The Colosseum began to degrade soon after the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. The edifice bore severe damage by successive earthquakes in the fifth century A.D. as well as due to utter negligence. Approximately 2/3rd of the core building had been ruined by the twentieth century.

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What is the Colosseum?

The Roman Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheater located immediately east of the Roman Forum in the heart of Rome, Italy. A visit to the Colosseum Rome is a must as, despite its antiquity, it is the biggest ancient amphitheater ever erected and remains the world's largest standing amphitheater today and it is considered as one of the best places in Rome.

Who built the Colosseum?

Emperor Vespasian began construction of the Colosseum, but he died before it was finished. Emperors Titus and Domitian, his two sons, completed the construction. The Colleseum actual construction was mostly done by Jewish slaves under the supervision of Roman engineers and craftsmen.

When was the Colosseum built?

After the difficult year of the four emperors, the Colosseum was constructed as part of an imperial effort to revive Rome. The emperor Vespasian planned the Colosseum to be an entertainment facility, animal hunts, organizing gladiator bouts, and even fake naval battles, as he did in other amphitheaters.

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What happened to the Colosseum?

The Colosseum began to degrade after the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. The edifice was damaged by successive earthquakes in the fifth century A.D. as well as due to negligence. Approximately 2/3rd of the core building had been destroyed by the twentieth century.

Why is the Colosseum important today?

The Colosseum survives today as a testament to ancient Rome's architectural and technical brilliance as one of the few substantially surviving monuments from the Roman Empire. It is also a significant source of money for the Italian government from tourism, one of the best places in Italy.

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What is the best time to visit Colosseum?

The best time to visit the Colosseum is around its opening time, at 08:30 a.m., or an hour before the last entry during the weekdays, since it is during this time that you can avoid big crowds and long waiting queues. Additionally, you must try visiting during the low season here, between the months of November and February.

How old is the Colosseum?

The Colosseum is approximately 1,973 years old. It was completed in AD 80 and opened for public events by Emperor Titus, making it one of Rome's most ancient and iconic structures, with a rich history dating back to ancient Roman times.

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Can we visit the Colosseum at night?

Yes, you can visit the Colosseum at night on certain occasions. The Colosseum occasionally offers nighttime tours and special events that allow visitors to explore this iconic ancient amphitheater after dark. These unique experiences often provide a captivating atmosphere as the Colleseum is illuminated, offering a different perspective and a chance to appreciate its grandeur in a more tranquil setting. However, availability may vary, so it's advisable to check the official Colosseum website or consult with local tour operators for specific nighttime visit options and schedules.

Can we take Colosseum underground tour?

Yes, you can take a Colosseum underground tour to explore the hidden depths of this historic landmark. These tours provide a fascinating opportunity to venture beneath the Colosseum's arena and witness the underground chambers where gladiators and animals were once held. Visitors can also access the recently restored Hypogeum, an intricate network of tunnels and passageways. These tours offer an immersive experience, shedding light on the Colosseum's complex history and the mechanisms that made its spectacular events possible.

At what time does the Colosseum close?

The closing time for the Colosseum varies throughout the year. Generally, it closes between 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM, depending on the season. It's advisable to check the official website for the current schedule.

How many people died in the Colosseum?

The exact number of people who died in the Colosseum is not known, but it is estimated that thousands of gladiators, prisoners, and animals were killed during the games and events held there. 

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