- Address: Piazza del Colosseo
- Hours: Open daily 9am - 7pm (4pm in winter)
- Admission: €12 per adult
Colosseum
The Colosseum in Rome is one of the world's best known sites from antiquity (for something built in 80 AD, the Colosseum is holding up very well). It was here that the Roman emperors liked to watch gladiators stage to-the-death battles as well as to hunt and kill wild animals.
The stadium was built so members of the general public could also enjoy the violent spectaculars. Entry was free, although you were seated according to your social rank and wealth. Gladiatorial games were banned in 438 AD; the wild beast hunting continued until 523.
The Colosseum is amazing for its complex and advanced architecture and building technique. Despite being used as a quarry for building materials at various points in history, it is still largely intact. You can see the tiered seating, corridors and the underground rooms where the animals and gladiators awaited their fate. Basically, this place set the model for all modern-day stadiums, the only difference being today's teams survive their games.
Practical Info
Metro line B stop Colosseo is right beside the Colosseum, close to the entrance, and tramway line 3 stops right at the Colosseum but at the opposite side to the entrance. You can also get there by various buses which stop outside the metro station.
Plan before you buy your entry ticket because it may be a good idea to get a combined pass giving you entry to many Rome sites and museums, possibly even with transport included. Be prepared to wait a while in line to get in, especially in summer.
Tours & Tickets
Skip the Line: Ancient Rome and Colosseum Half-Day Walking Tour
Leave the crowds behind and head straight inside the Colosseum with your skip-the-line entrance ticket! In a group of no more than 25 people, explore the first ... Read more
Location:
Rome, Italy
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Small-Group Ancient Rome and Colosseum Tour: Underground Chambers, Arena and Upper Tier
Experience the full glory of Rome's Colosseum on a unique, small-group tour with skip-the-line entry! Accompanied by an expert guide who is passionate about ... Read more
Location:
Rome, Italy
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Rome Super Saver: Colosseum and Ancient Rome with Best of Rome Afternoon Walking Tour
See the highlights of Rome on this unforgettable day of sightseeing, combining two best-selling guided tours at a discounted price! This small-group, full-day ... Read more
Location:
Rome, Italy
Duration: 8 hours (approx.)
Ancient Rome Half-Day Walking Tour
Take a walk through Rome's 2,000 years of history with an expert guide who'll bring the past alive. You'll have a hands-on history lesson at key ancient sites ... Read more
Location:
Rome, Italy
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
