Colosseum , Rome

 Why should you visit the Colosseum?

The Colosseum is a must-see for anybody visiting Rome, and it does not disappoint, especially when accompanied by tales of armored gladiators and ravenous lions. This magnificent amphitheater epitomizes the force and drama of ancient Rome more than any other monument, and it is still an electrifying sight today. The 50,000-seat Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, was built in 80 CE and has remained in astonishingly fine condition. It's not difficult to imagine it in all its glory, with its steeply stacked stands crammed with ecstatic fans watching armored gladiators duke it out on the arena below.

It is still Italy's largest tourist destination, attracting more than seven million tourists each year after 2000 years. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Consider purchasing tickets online and ensuring that you are in the correct admission line — the fastest lines are for those who have purchased tickets or passes in advance.

History of Colosseum

The amphitheater was built on the grounds of Nero's huge Domus Aurea complex in 72 CE by Emperor Vespasian (r 69–79 CE). However, he did not live to see it completed, and it was completed a year after his death by his son and successor Titus (r 79–81). Titus held games for 100 days and nights to commemorate the occasion, during which 5000 animals were slain. Trajan (r. 98–117) went on a 117-day killing spree involving 9000 gladiators and 10,000 animals, which he later surpassed.

Although it was Rome's most terrifying arena, the "Anfiteatro Flavio" was named after Vespasian's family (Flavian), and it wasn't the largest — the Circo Massimo could hold up to 250,000 people. When the word "Colosseum" was first used in medieval times, it was in reference to the neighboring Colosso di Nerone, a massive statue of Nero.

The outside walls have three tiers of arches, framed by ornamental columns with capitals of the Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian orders at the bottom, middle, and top. The niches on the second and third stories were originally filled with travertine and marble statuary. The 240 masts that carried the awning over the arena, protecting the spectators from sun and rain, were supported on the upper level, which was interrupted with windows and slender Corinthian columns. The 80 "vomitoria" entrance arches allowed spectators to enter and be seated in a matter of minutes.

At the bottom, middle, and top of the outer walls are three levels of arches framed by ornate columns with capitals of the Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian orders. Originally, travertine and marble statuary occupied the niches on the second and third stories. The 240 masts that held the awning over the arena, which shielded spectators from the heat and rain, were supported on the upper level, which was punctuated by windows and slender Corinthian columns. Spectators could enter and be seated in minutes thanks to the 80 "vomitoria" entrance arches.

The Colosseum was decommissioned after the Roman Empire fell apart in the fifth century. It became a fortification in the Middle Ages, occupied by the powerful Frangipani family. It was later looted for its valuable travertine, and the marble extracted was used to decorate prominent structures such as the Palazzo Venezia, Palazzo Barberini, and Palazzo Cancelleria.

Pollution and vibrations from traffic and the subway have recently taken a toll. To assist combat this, it had a significant cleaning between 2014 and 2016, the first in its 2000-year existence, as part of a €25 million ($30 million+) restoration project.

Ticketing and other logistics

General admission tickets and tours cost €16 ($19.21) plus a €2 ($2.40) booking fee when booked online. Each ticket is good for one access to the Colosseum and one entrance to the Forum-Palatine area and is valid for 24 hours. On Monday, a ticket purchased on Friday can be utilized. You could also purchase a Roma Pass or a SUPER ticket.

You can obtain your ticket at the Palatino if you don't want to buy it online and the lineups onsite are too long.

The top three floors (known collectively as the "Terrazzo Belvedere") and hypogeum are accessible only by guided tour. These require advance booking and there is an additional charge on top of the normal Colosseum ticket. A guided tour of the Colosseum's main area can be booked for an additional fee as well.

Basic full-price admission tickets can be pre-printed; others (reduced/free/tours) must be picked up on-site. Print your ticket rather than relying on a saved smartphone version.

The Colosseum is open from 10:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday and is closed Saturday and Sunday.

At security checkpoints, visitors are inspected. Alcoholic beverages, glass containers, aerosols, backpacks, big bags, and luggage are all forbidden. Backpacks in medium and small sizes will be inspected.

Restaurants close by

Stay away from the rip-off restaurants in the area. Instead, head east of the Colosseum to Cafè Cafè for a light, relaxed dinner.

Alternatively, travel up to Via Cavour, where Cavour 313 is a fantastic choice for a glass of wine and cheese and cured meats platters.