The Colosseum, a monumental symbol of the Roman Empire’s power and grandeur, stands as a testament to a bygone era. This enormous elliptical structure, measuring 620 by 513 feet, was erected on the site of a drained artificial lake, marking the end of a tyrannical reign. Its vastness is astounding, capable of holding 60,000 seated spectators and 10,000 standing guests, often accommodating a crowd of 70,000 people at once. Imagine the excitement and energy of such a gathering!
Dive into the world of gladiators and emperors with this video, featuring our expert, Sara from Headout! (Here you can embed a video about the Colosseum)
A Marvel of Engineering and History
The Colosseum is one of the most visited monuments worldwide, attracting 4 million visitors each year. This remarkable feat of engineering holds numerous records, showcasing the Romans’ ingenuity and skill. Unlike many amphitheaters of its time, which were circular, the Colosseum’s elliptical shape offered spectators an unparalleled view of the action. The structure, capable of holding 80,000 spectators, was constructed without the benefit of modern machinery, a truly impressive feat. Its grandeur is undeniable, featuring 80 ornate entrances and a network of doorways, tunnels, staircases, and corridors.
Embark on a journey through time, walking the same paths as the gladiators! Consider taking a Guided Tour to delve deeper into the intricacies of this historic monument.
A Legacy of Entertainment and Transformation
Did you know that Rome’s Colosseum was a gift to the Roman people from Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty? Construction began around AD 70-72 and continued for over a century, finally being inaugurated by Vespasian’s son, Titus, in AD 80. Known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, its grand opening was a spectacle of entertainment, featuring hundred days of gladiatorial games and wild animal fights. The Colosseum also served as a stage for dramas, mock fights, and public executions.
Over time, the Colosseum underwent a remarkable transformation, serving various purposes, including as a church, fortress, and quarry. Sadly, the once magnificent structure fell into disrepair by the 20th century, due to earthquakes, lightning strikes, vandalism, and neglect, leaving nearly two-thirds of the structure destroyed. Thankfully, restoration work began in the 1990s, breathing new life into the Colosseum and solidifying its place as ancient Rome’s most renowned heritage site, attracting millions of tourists from across the globe.
Unveiling the Colosseum’s Secrets
What did this ancient wonder truly look like?
Spanning an impressive 189 meters in length, 156 meters in width, and 50 meters in height, with a total surface area of almost 6 acres, the Colosseum holds the Guinness World Record for the largest amphitheater in the world. Constructed primarily from travertine stone and concrete, this four-story structure was a marvel of engineering, one of the most complex man-made constructions of its time.
Its columns and arches, adorned with statues of gods and emperors, are striking features. The outer facade, equivalent to a 12-story building, showcases different styles of columns and arches. The fourth level features small windows instead of arches and columns, adding a unique visual element. While most of the structure was predominantly white, the Colosseum Arena was built using red and black stone blocks.
The arena’s wooden floor, covered with sand, provided a stable and safe surface for the gladiators and prevented slipping during combat. The sand also facilitated post-fight cleanup.
The Colosseum’s arena was equipped with lifts, special machinery, and trap doors, allowing for the dramatic release of animals into the action floor. A special structure, the Hegmata, was used to lift heavy animals from the hypogeum (an underground network of tunnels and chambers) onto the arena. Combatants entered through the Gate of Life, while the Gate of Death marked the exit for the victorious and the fallen gladiators.
Recently opened to the public, the underground and Belvedere (top level) areas offer a unique glimpse into the Colosseum’s past, allowing visitors to travel back in time.
The Colosseum’s columns showcase a variety of architectural styles: the first story features Tuscan columns, the second story boasts Ionian columns, and the third story boasts intricate Corinthian columns. The fourth floor, however, features rectangular columns and small windows.
The arena had 36 trap doors, allowing for dramatic entries and special effects during performances. The hypogeum, a two-level underground network of corridors and cells, housed animals and gladiators before their entry into the arena. The Colosseum also had hundreds of fountains to provide water for spectators and 80 entrances to manage the flow of crowds. Additionally, a velarium was used to protect spectators from the sun and rain.
Planning Your Visit to the Colosseum
Ready to experience the Colosseum for yourself? Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit:
Best City Passes:
Our tickets include skip-the-line access to the Colosseum. Depending on your chosen ticket, it may also include a guided tour.
Access to the Underground:
A standard Colosseum ticket does not include access to certain areas, such as the Underground, the Belvedere, and the Arena. You will need to purchase special access tickets to explore these fascinating parts of the Colosseum.
Guided Tour Group Size:
No more than 20 individuals (adults, children, guides, escorts, etc.) are allowed in a group for entry into the Colosseum.
Tour Duration:
The tour duration depends on the type of ticket you choose, ranging from one to three hours for the Colosseum alone. If you also wish to visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, be sure to allocate at least half a day for your tour.
Cancellation Policy:
Each vendor has a different cancellation policy. For tickets booked through us, we offer a full refund on cancellations made 24-72 hours before the start date, depending on the ticket type. Check the cancellation policy before making your reservation.
Discounts:
Discounts are available for European Union (EU) citizens aged 18-25 upon presentation of a valid identity card. EU and non-EU citizens under the age of 18, along with permanent or contract-based teaching staff, enjoy free entry into the Colosseum. For more information on discounts, visit the official site.
Accessibility:
The Colosseum is wheelchair accessible, though some uneven surfaces might make it challenging for individuals with mobility limitations.
Left Baggage Storage:
The Colosseum does not offer left baggage storage facilities. Avoid carrying bulky bags and backpacks, luggage, and trolleys within the Colosseum premises, as they are prohibited. You may carry medium and small-sized backpacks.
Dress Code:
The Colosseum is best explored on foot, so wear comfortable shoes, ideally sneakers or sport shoes, and break them in before your visit to avoid blisters. Breathable clothing is recommended, and be sure to apply sunscreen, wear a hat or cap, and sunglasses during the summer months, as it can get hot.
Audio Guides:
Audio guides are available through the Parco Colosseo app, downloadable from the Google Play store or the Apple Play store. The app offers audio guides in Italian, English, French, Spanish, and German. This is a paid service.
The Colosseum stands as a captivating testament to the power and ingenuity of the Roman Empire. Whether you’re an avid history buff or simply appreciate awe-inspiring architecture, a visit to this ancient wonder will surely leave a lasting impression.
