The Colosseum stands as a monument to the grandeur of ancient Rome, and seeing it in person is an experience that will stay with you forever.
It’s a place that demands to be seen, even if you only have a few hours in the Eternal City. Known originally as Flavian’s Amphitheater, it eventually earned the name Colosseum, likely due to its colossal size.
We started our first full day in Rome with a “Caesar Shuffle” (as dubbed by Rick Steves) through various famous Roman ruins. Our journey began at the Colosseum, a must-see on any Roman itinerary.
The Colosseum’s imposing presence is undeniable. Despite the tired feet from our explorations of Pompeii, Sorrento, and Vesuvius, we opted to walk from our hotel to the Colosseum, a distance of 2.4 kilometers. We wanted to truly feel the streets of Rome! Gelato shops buzzed with tourists, souvenir shops overflowed onto the sidewalk, and the streets thrummed with life.
We rounded a corner, and suddenly, the Colosseum emerged, towering above the rooftops. The moment was surreal. We couldn’t help but gasp in awe at the sight of this magnificent structure.
The Colosseum’s grandeur wasn’t diminished by the scaffolding encircling its exterior, a testament to ongoing restoration efforts. We were surprised to discover that the Colosseum sits beneath the modern-day street level, but then we realized that 1,900 years of construction and natural forces would surely change the landscape!
Navigating through crowds of tourists and chain-smoking Italians dressed as gladiators, we arrived at the Colosseum’s entrance, only to be met with a daunting line for tickets. Thankfully, our Roma Passes allowed us to bypass the queue, a move we celebrated with a touch of glee.
With our Roma Passes in hand, we entered the Colosseum, our ears filled with Rick Steves’ insightful podcast. (His free downloads are available on his app for iPhones and Androids!)
Walking through the colonnade entrance, the vastness of the Colosseum overwhelmed us. Despite the throngs of tourists, the missing arena floor, and the damage inflicted by centuries of stone thieves, the Colosseum’s power was palpable. The mental images of the stone seats reaching to dizzying heights, the canopies covering the bloodthirsty crowds, the shouts and screams of gladiators and wild animals in mortal combat, were both exhilarating and chilling. How many lives were lost within these walls during the Colosseum’s 300 years of use?
The reconstructed portion of the arena floor allowed us to imagine the Colosseum’s past. A cross erected in the 1700s by Pope Benedict XIV stands as a memorial to the Christian martyrs who met their fate here. But the Colosseum’s skeletal remains are also impressive. Fallen pillars are so large that they require three or more people to wrap their arms around them. The honeycomb of passages once hidden beneath the arena floor is now visible, revealing the secrets of the spectacular spectacles and mock battles that once occurred here. There were nearly 80 elevator passages alone!
We spent hours exploring the two accessible levels of the Colosseum. (The third level and the “basement” floor are only accessible with a special tour.) We marveled at the ancient Romans’ architectural genius and engineering prowess. Did you know the Colosseum could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, and it was designed to be emptied in under 15 minutes?
The Colosseum stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Rome, a symbol of the city’s history, power, and resilience. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after you leave Rome.
Visiting the Colosseum
- Travel time: 1-3 hours, depending on your interest.
- Getting there: The Colosseum is accessible on Line B of the Rome Metro at the Colosseo stop.
- Audio guide: Download Rick Steves’ free podcast for a comprehensive audio guide on the Colosseum’s history and construction.
- Roma Pass: Purchase a Roma Pass for discounted admission and access to other Roman attractions.
- Food and drinks: Be prepared for the inflated prices of food and drinks around the Colosseum. Water is readily available, but haggle with vendors to avoid paying inflated prices.
- “Gladiator” photos: Be cautious of “gladiators” around the Colosseum. They may demand payment for pictures. Take photos discreetly from a distance to avoid harassment.
