The Colosseum
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Colosseo - by FeaturedPics (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Description
The Colosseum is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built; it still stands today in the centre of Rome. It was constructed under the reigns of emperor Vespasian and Titus in AD70-80 using travertine limestone, tuff and brick-faced concrete. It could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators watching gladiator fights and other shows such as animal hunts or executions (!) until the 6th century after which it was given various uses (including that of cemetery and then religious ones). Repairs started in the 19th century. The Colosseum is a free-standing structure, unlike the traditional amphitheatres built into hillsides. It is elliptical in shape (189x156m) with an outer wall reaching 48m high. The tiered seating arrangement reflected the stratified Roman society with class divisions. The arena was 83x48m and made of wooden floor covered with sand and an elaborate underground structure underneath.
Access & Transport
The Colosseo is at the centre of Pizza del Colosseo... you can't miss it! There is a Colosseo metro station (MEB, MEB1), bus stops (51, 75, 85, 87, 111) and tram stop Colosseo/Salvi N. (8) For wheelchair users, the entrances to the monument located along Via Dei Fori Imperiali are equipped with ramps
Instructions & Recommendations
Advanced reservation is required (including for free tickets). According to our research, the official distributor link is: https://www.midaticket.it/eventi/parco-archeologico-del-colosseo/ Note that the ticket also provides access to the Forum and Palatine Hill but those two have a common entry system so you cannot split your visit there (i.e. exit and then re-enter).
Environmental & Social
We deem this attraction environmentally neutral and it helps preserve the city's historical and architectural heritage.
Conclusion
For many travellers, the Colosseum probably tops the short-list of places and monuments to see in Rome, rightly so in our opinion. The amphitheatre is truly unique with so much history surrounding it that no visit to the city is complete without stopping there. If you can afford, a guided tour is worth it but if you can't, make sure to look for additional info online or in good travel guidebooks.
Key positive
Spectacular
Central and easy to reach by public transport
Entrance fee not excessively priced
Key negative
Long lines and time-consuming security check
Suitability
Suitable for all ages. The ground and first floor of the monument are accessible for wheelchair users
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY08:30 - 18:30
TUESDAY08:30 - 18:30
WEDNESDAY08:30 - 18:30
THURSDAY08:30 - 18:30
FRIDAY08:30 - 18:30
SATURDAY08:30 - 18:30
SUNDAY08:30 - 18:30
Start of Season 2:Nov, 01
MONDAY08:30 - 16:30
TUESDAY08:30 - 16:30
WEDNESDAY08:30 - 16:30
THURSDAY08:30 - 16:30
FRIDAY08:30 - 16:30
SATURDAY08:30 - 16:30
SUNDAY08:30 - 16:30