The Colosseum, a monumental amphitheater in Rome, stands as a testament to ancient Rome’s grandeur. It’s a magnet for tourists, drawing millions every year who come to marvel at this time capsule of history. I, too, was captivated by its allure, and in October 2022, I made my way to this iconic landmark.
My plan was to skip the long lines and experience the Colosseum at my own pace. I’d secured a skip-the-line ticket through Viator, a service I found online, which promised direct access and the opportunity to explore at my leisure. The Colosseum was not my only destination; the ticket also included entry to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, nearby attractions that would allow me to delve deeper into the city’s rich past.
However, my expectations of a peaceful visit were soon dashed. As I approached the Colosseum, the crowds began to grow. The closer I got, the more dense the throngs became. People clogged the paths, their phones outstretched to capture the magnificence of the arena. It felt like I was navigating a human maze, and the frustration began to build.
Finding my tour guide, a necessary part of the ticket I had purchased, was another challenge. My tour group was supposed to meet at a designated location – a black flag placed next to the Arch of Constantine. This monumental arch, a relic of Roman history, now stood overshadowed by the sea of tourists. Navigating the crowded piazza was like searching for a needle in a haystack. The pressure mounted as time ticked by and my scheduled entry time approached.
A Bathroom Break Turned Battleground
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I found my guide and entered the Colosseum. However, my peace of mind was quickly shattered. The restrooms, a seemingly simple necessity, were transformed into a battleground. I found myself surrounded by people pushing and shoving, their urgency for relief trumping any sense of common courtesy. One woman, seemingly oblivious to the chaos she was creating, literally shoved me into a stall as it became available. It was an experience that left me both shocked and disheartened.
Seeing the Arena Through a Sea of Heads
After enduring the bathroom ordeal, I finally reached the heart of the Colosseum, the arena. This historic space, where once gladiators battled for glory, was now a sea of faces. The crowds were so thick that it was impossible to get a clear view of the arena. People stood in long lines, eagerly awaiting their turn to take a quick picture and move on. I found myself tip-toeing, desperately trying to see past the wall of heads.
The Exhibits: A Whirlwind of People and History
The exhibits, designed to shed light on the Colosseum’s history, were also packed with people. The flow of visitors was so constant that it felt like a whirlwind. I tried to soak in the information, but the relentless movement of the crowd made it difficult to truly engage with the exhibits.
Views Obscured by the Tourists
While the Colosseum’s towering structure offered views of the surrounding Roman sites, these too were overwhelmed by crowds. The beauty of the Roman Forum, just a short distance away, was lost amidst the sea of phones held high in the air, capturing pictures of everything except the actual views. It was a reminder of the challenges of experiencing a popular tourist destination during peak season.
A Dream Deferred: Returning for a Quieter Encounter
My first visit to the Colosseum was a mixed experience. While I was awed by the structure’s impressive scale and its place in history, the overwhelming crowds prevented me from fully enjoying it. Despite the frustrations I encountered, my fascination with the Colosseum remains undiminished. I yearn to revisit this historic marvel when the crowds are thinner, allowing me to truly appreciate its historical significance and experience the powerful aura that it radiates. The winter months are known for attracting fewer crowds, and that’s when I plan to return, hoping to rediscover the Colosseum and experience it as it deserves to be experienced.
