{"id":54892,"date":"2024-07-14T13:50:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-14T09:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.headout.com\/?p=54892"},"modified":"2025-06-13T14:52:41","modified_gmt":"2025-06-13T10:52:41","slug":"the-colosseum-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.headout.com\/blog\/the-colosseum-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"The ultimate guide to exploring Colosseum the right way"},"content":{"rendered":"

Located in Southern Europe, Rome<\/a> is Italy’s capital city and attracts over 7.6 million tourists annually. Among the many attractions like the Pantheon, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City<\/a>, the Colosseum stands out as a must-visit historic site.<\/p>\n

The Colosseum, Rome <\/h2>\n

The Colosseum, a lasting symbol of the Roman Empire, is an elliptical structure measuring 620 by 513 feet. It was built on the site of a drained artificial lake to mark the end of a tyrannical rule. The Colosseum could hold 60,000 seated spectators and 10,000 standing guests, often hosting around 70,000 people at a time.<\/p>\n

Check out the video below to see what Sara, our expert from Headout, has to show you.<\/p>\n

The Colosseum – Handy information<\/h2>\n

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Handy information<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udccd Best Entrance:<\/td>\nSperone Valadier <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u23f0 Suggested Duration:<\/td>\n3 hours <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2600\ufe0f Best Time to Visit:<\/td>\n9 am <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\ud83d\udc9c Must See:<\/td>\nColosseum by Night<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\ud83c\udf9f\ufe0f Colosseum Ticket: <\/td>\n\u20ac24.90<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\ud83d\ude0d Colosseum Underground Tour:<\/td>\n\u20ac150<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\ud83c\udfab Colosseum + Vatican Museum:<\/td>\n\u20ac80.90<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Must-see at Colosseum<\/h4>\n

Columns and archesFlavian Amphitheatre PlaqueThe HypogeumArena<\/p>\n

Things To Know <\/h4>\n

Number of visitors per year: 6 millionFounded in: 70 ADBuilder: Vespasian, TitusArchitectural style: Ancient Roman architecture<\/p>\n

Opening Hours And Address<\/h4>\n

Jan 2 – Feb 28:<\/b> 9am – 4:30pmMar 1 – Mar 26:<\/b> 9am – 5:30pmMar 27 – Aug 31:<\/b> 9am – 7:15pmSept 1 – Sept 30:<\/b> 9am – 7pmOct 1 – Oct 30:<\/b> 9am – 6:30pmOct 30 – Dec 31:<\/b> 9am – 4:30pm<\/p>\n

Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy Get Directions<\/a><\/p>\n

Why visit the Colosseum? <\/h2>\n

The Colosseum is one of the world’s most visited monuments, attracting 4 million visitors each year. This engineering marvel holds many records.<\/p>\n

Unlike most amphitheaters of its time, which were circular, the Colosseum’s elliptical shape gave spectators a better view of the action. It could hold 80,000 spectators and was constructed without modern machinery. The grand structure featured 80 ornate entrances, along with numerous doorways, tunnels, staircases, and corridors. Make sure to include the Colosseum in your itinerary to walk the same path as the gladiators and experience this ancient site!<\/p>\n

Consider taking a Guided Tour <\/a> to explore all the different aspects of this historic monument.<\/p>\n

Top recommended Colosseum tickets<\/h2>\n

Colosseum history <\/h2>\n

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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 took over a century to complete. Vespasian’s son, Titus, inaugurated it in AD 80. Known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, its grand opening featured a hundred days of entertainment, including gladiatorial games and wild animal fights. The Colosseum also hosted dramas, mock fights, and public executions.<\/p>\n

Over time, the Colosseum served various purposes, including as a church, fortress, and quarry. While it was actively used during the peak of the Roman Empire, it fell into disrepair by the 20th century due to earthquakes, lightning, vandalism, and neglect, with nearly two-thirds of the structure destroyed. Thanks to restoration work that began in the 1990s, the Colosseum is now ancient Rome\u2019s most renowned heritage site, attracting millions of tourists from around the world.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

What did the Colosseum look like?<\/h2>\n

It’s fascinating that despite being damaged by earthquakes in 847 and 1231, the Colosseum has endured, showcasing the engineering brilliance of ancient Rome. Its elliptical shape provided a vast stage for gladiator combats, thrilling thousands of spectators. The structure featured Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns, combining beauty and strength. The Colosseum originally had a grand retractable awning, called the velarium, which protected spectators from the sun. With a capacity of over 50,000 people, it allowed crowds to enter through its 76 archways to enjoy the spectacles. Remarkably, the Colosseum remained a premier entertainment venue for over seven centuries.<\/p>\n

Colosseum architecture & design<\/h2>\n

Measuring 189 meters long, 156 meters wide, and 50 meters high, with a total surface area of almost 6 acres, the Colosseum holds the Guinness World Record for the largest amphitheater in the world. Made primarily from travertine stone and concrete, this four-story structure was one of the most complex man-made constructions of its time. Its columns and arches, adorned with statues of gods and emperors, are standout features.<\/p>\n

The Colosseum’s 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. While most of the structure was mainly white, the Colosseum Arena<\/a> was constructed using red and black stone blocks. The arena\u2019s wooden floor was covered with sand to prevent slipping and to simplify post-fight cleanup.<\/p>\n

The Colosseum’s arena had lifts, special machinery, and trap doors for releasing animals. A special structure, the Hegmata, was used to lift heavy animals from the hypogeum (an underground network of tunnels and chambers) onto the arena floor. Combatants entered through the Gate of Life, while the Gate of Death was used for the exit of the victorious and the fallen gladiators. The recently opened underground and Belvedere (top level) areas offer a unique glimpse into the past for tourists.<\/p>\n

The arena also had lifts, special machinery and trap doors to release animals into the action floor. A special structure, called the Hegmata, was used to lift heavy animals from the hypogeum (an underground network of tunnels and chambers) onto the arena. Combatants entered the arena through a Gate of Life whereas the Gate of Death was used for the exit of the victorious and gladiators killed during the fight! While the Underground and the Belvedere (the top level) were not accessible to the public for the longest time, don\u2019t miss out on travelling back in time as these exclusive areas have recently opened to tourists.<\/p>\n

The Colosseum\u2019s columns vary by level: the first story features Tuscan columns, the second story has Ionian columns, and the third story boasts intricate Corinthian columns. The fourth floor is decorated with rectangular columns and small windows. The arena had 36 trap doors for dramatic entries and special effects during performances.<\/p>\n

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 for spectators and 80 entrances to manage the flow of the crowds. Additionally, a velarium was used to protect spectators from the sun and rain.<\/p>\n

Colosseum entrances<\/h2>\n

The Colosseum has three entrances: one for individual visitors, one for groups, and one for the arena. The entrance for individual visitors, called Sperone Valadier, is the only one currently in use and faces the forums. The arena entrance, named Stern, is used exclusively for guided tours that include a visit to the arena. However, entry through the Varco Stern entrance is currently suspended.<\/p>\n

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Colosseum at night<\/h2>\n

The Colosseum at night<\/a> is a magnificent sight. It has endured centuries of culture and war, remaining as significant as the day it was built. Seeing its glory at night offers a new perspective, and nearby night markets and food streets add to the experience. A nighttime visit to the Colosseum is enticing, as it provides a more personalized experience with minimal crowds and pleasant weather. Enjoy the majestic shadows of this structure while taking in the view of Rome at night.<\/p>\n

What to see at the Colosseum <\/h2>\n

1<\/span>Columns and Arches<\/h3>\n

Each archway in the Colosseum is numbered, helping spectators find their seats. There are 76 public entrance archways. The remaining four were reserved for important individuals, such as emperors, senators, and visiting dignitaries.<\/p>\n

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2<\/span>Flavian Amphitheatre Plaque<\/h3>\n

A plaque on the Colosseum’s facade displays its name, the Amphitheatre Flavium, indicating its construction by the Flavian dynasty. This plaque is located on the wall facing the Temple of Venus.<\/p>\n

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3<\/span>The Cross<\/h3>\n

Inside the Colosseum, a large wooden cross was erected by Pope John Paul II in 2000 to commemorate all the Christian martyrs.<\/p>\n

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4<\/span>The Entry and Exit Gates<\/h3>\n

The archway between 57 and 58 is known as the Gate of Death or the Libitinarian Gate, used to remove the dead and defeated from the arena. The archway between 19 and 20 is called the Gate of Life, through which gladiators entered the Colosseum.<\/p>\n

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5<\/span>Arena<\/h3>\n

The Colosseum arena was originally covered with wooden panels and sand. Although most of the flooring is now lost, a portion is still visible. This arena was the main stage for gladiator and animal fights. Don\u2019t miss the chance to experience the atmosphere of this historic battleground!<\/p>\n

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6<\/span>The Hypogeum<\/h3>\n

Although the arena floor panels are missing, you can still see the walls of the hypogeum. This labyrinth of service corridors and cages reveals where animals and gladiators were kept before their fights. The hypogeum also had 36 trap doors for special effects during performances. To experience the hypogeum, ensure your ticket includes access to this part of the Colosseum.<\/p>\n

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7<\/span>Permanent Exhibition<\/h3>\n

Archaeologists have excavated many artifacts around the Colosseum. These artifacts, including cups and spoons used by vendors to serve spectators, are displayed on the second level. Excavated oyster shells and nutshells suggest that Romans enjoyed eating fruits.<\/p>\n

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Colosseum Rome passes <\/h2>\n

Best City Passes that include access to the Colosseum <\/h3>\n

Roma Pass<\/h4>\n

The Roma Pass is a special tourist-cultural card that allows access to museums and archaeological sites, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. It also includes free use of the city\u2019s public transport network for the duration of the pass. You can purchase the Roma Pass for either two or three days, depending on the length of your stay. If you choose this pass, be sure to make a reservation for the Colosseum.<\/p>\n

Omnia Card<\/h4>\n

Opt for an Omnia Card if you want to include Vatican City in your Roman holiday. The Omnia Card includes the Roma Pass, which is valid for 72 hours and allows you to explore both Vatican City and Rome with one pass.<\/p>\n

Getting there<\/h2>\n

There are several public transport options to reach the Colosseum:<\/p>\n

By metro<\/h4>\n