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- Colosseum Address: Piazzo del Colosseo, 1, Rome, 00184
Is The Colosseum Worth Visiting
- If you enjoy visiting UNESCO Sites steeped in history, the Colosseum is a great one!
What You Can See At The Colosseum (ticket dependent)
- Different layers of the Colosseum
- The Emperor's Box
- The Gladiator's Gate
- The network of tunnels and chambers
- The arena floor
- The seating area
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About The Colosseum
The Colosseum in Rome, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Italy and a must-see for anyone visiting the Eternal City, in our opinion!
As one of the most recognized monuments in the world, it attracts over 6 million people each year, making it one of Rome’s most visited tourist attractions, alongside Vatican City.
A Brief History of the Colosseum
Construction of the Colosseum began under Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD by his son, Emperor Titus.
The grand amphitheatre was built to host public spectacles and could seat up to 80,000 spectators. Events held at the Colosseum included gladiator battles, wild animal hunts, mock sea battles, and public executions, and they were all designed to entertain and impress the Roman public.
Interestingly, the name “Colosseum” wasn’t used during ancient times. Locals then referred to it as the ‘Flavian Amphitheatre’, which was named after the Flavian dynasty. If you'd asked for directions to the Colosseum back then, you'd likely be met with puzzled looks!
Records suggest the Colosseum remained in active use for around 500 years, until the 6th century. Today, it stands not only as a powerful symbol of Ancient Rome but also as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the Modern World’ and a ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’ as part of the ‘Historic Centre of Rome’.
Architecture & Engineering of the Colosseum
The Colosseum was constructed using a mix of concrete, sand, and travertine limestone. Its elliptical shape and imposing height make it one of the most distinctive and admired examples of ancient Roman architecture.
Beneath the arena floor lies a fascinating network of tunnels, ramps, and elevators, which were ingenious mechanisms that once allowed for the dramatic appearance of gladiators and wild animals through hidden trapdoors. The upper seating tiers were strategically assigned based on class and social rank, much like modern stadium seating today.
The Colosseum’s outer façade features three levels of columns in the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, showing the evolution of classical architecture in one cohesive design. Despite being over 2,000 years old, its original engineering solutions, particularly the complex mechanisms under the stage, remain awe-inspiring even by today’s standards!
Damage, Restoration & Modern-Day Access
Over the centuries, the Colosseum has suffered damage from earthquakes, stone looting, and water damage, especially due to unstable ground beneath the structure. However, numerous restoration efforts have been made to preserve its legacy.
One of the most exciting modern developments came in 2017, when the 4th and 5th tiers were reopened to the public. The upper levels now offer panoramic views of Rome that had been inaccessible for generations and are now an unmissable opportunity for photography lovers and history buffs alike!
Plan your visit to the Colosseum today and step back in time to one of the greatest achievements of ancient Rome! Whether you're interested in architecture, fascinated by Roman history, or just want to experience one of the world’s greatest landmarks, the Colosseum is a journey through time you won’t forget!
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The Colosseum, Rome Address
- Colosseum, Piazzo del Colosseo, 1, Rome, 00184
How to get to the Colosseum
- Metro: From Rome Termini Station simply take metro Line B and get off at 'Colosseo' Station (Colosseum Station). The trip is less than 5 minutes from Rome Termini.
- Bus (tickets can be bought at tobacco shops and newspaper stands): Local Buses 3, 8, 30, 40, 60, 75, 38, 87, 810 and 870 all sop at the Colosseum Bus Stop which is called 'Piazza del Colosseo'
- North Rome Buses: Lines 38 and 75
- South Rome Buses: 175 and 271 both go to the Colosseum
- Tram (you can purchase tickets at newspaper stands, tobacco shops or metro stations): Tram lines 3 and 8 go to the Piazza del Colosseum
- Car Parking at the Colosseum: Roma - Parcheggio Park Colosseo | Park Services Colosseo | Onepark - Parcheggio Roma - Colosseo & Parcheggio San Pierto in Vincoli are all local car parking facilities, but please note spaces may be very limited.
Colosseum Opening Hours
- Monday: 09:00 - 19:15
- Tuesday: 09:00 - 19:15
- Wednesday: 09:00 - 19:15
- Thursday 09:00 - 19:15
- Friday: 09:00 - 19:15
- Saturday: 09:00 - 19:15
- Sunday: 09:00 - 19:15
Hint to avoid the BIG queues at the Colosseum
- Book tickets in advance to avoid the MASSIVE queues that form for the Colosseum and where possible, try and visit in the morning.
- Several of our tickets also come with priority entrance.
Colosseum: Tickets
FAQ
Yes, its common for there to be queues, especially if you haven't purchased your ticket in advance. We always suggest booking in advance to save time from having to queue.
No - there are different types of access to the Colosseum that give access to different areas. For example a basic ticket won't get you access to the underground area or arena floor. Our tickets all clearly confirm what is included, don't worry.
Although it isn't compulsory to do so, we always suggest booking tickets for the Colosseum in advance, yes. They are limited in numbers and the ticket office DOES get very busy, so can save you A LOT of time booking them online, yes.
