Once the site of bloody battles, this awe-inspiring amphitheatre now provides visitors from all over the globe with an authentic insight into ancient Roman culture.
The Colosseum stands in the centre of Rome, a testament to both the architectural brilliance and the ruthless customs of the classical empire. Commissioned in AD 72, this vast elliptical amphitheatre was completed in AD 80 in the reign of Emperor Titus. Whilst time may have taken its toll, when you step inside, you will sense the atmosphere of the past gladiatorial battles, cheered on by spectators in their thousands.
Many visitors chose to join a guided tour, for a fee, as this not only provides fascinating and detailed historical insights, but also grants you access to areas of the Colosseum that are not open to standard tickets holders. If booked in advance, you will be able to step down into the hypogeum, the underground network of tunnels which gladiators once strode along on their way to do battle. This level was once covered by the arena floor, but this has fallen victim to deterioration through the centuries.
There is still more than enough to see, even if you decide against joining a tour. Wander around the outer structure to take in the awe-inspiring engineering skill visible in the three-tiered travertine arches. You’ll also see evidence of the Roman’s ingenuity in planning and logistics: the bottom layer of arches, 80 in total, were all part of the method for controlling the 50,000 spectators. Audio guides are also on offer, so you can learn about the features at your own pace.
Although the interior of the Colosseum is no longer able to hold large crowds, this spectacular landmark is frequently used as a backdrop for large concerts in the summer months. Paul McCartney, Elton John and Ray Charles have all performed here in recent years. Make sure you check the programme online.
As may be expected with such an iconic attraction, queues for tickets at the entrance can be lengthy. Rest assured that it will be worth the wait, but for more convenience you can purchase combined tickets for the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in advance, allowing you to skip the queue.
The Colosseum is located in the city centre. The closest Metro station is Colosseo, and a number of buses stop nearby.
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