Colosseo (Colosseum), Rome (must see)
The Colosseum is one of the grandest monuments to have stood the test of time and probably the most visited ruins in the world. The works on this colossal structure began in 72 AD and took 8 years to complete. The official opening of the venue was marked with gladiator games that lasted 100 days.
The Colosseum amphitheater comprised four tiers that could hold up to 50,000 spectators. The lowest tier was for the emperor and the royal family; the two middle ones were for Roman citizens and members of government, while the highest tier was for the plebs. Below-ground passages were used for bringing men and animals into the arena that was separated from the audience by a ditch.
The amphitheater mainly hosted three types of shows: wild animal fights, public executions and, of course, gladiator battles. Spectacles at the Colosseum could last for days. Admission was free and the main sponsor was the Emperor himself. Despite popular belief that the early Christians were martyred here in numbers, records reveal that it was very unlikely so.
At some point, during the 18th century, the Colosseum served as a fortress and then simply became a stone quarry for other construction projects. Passers-by habitually chipped off pieces of the Colosseum for souvenirs which, together with some natural causes like earthquakes, led to its partial destruction. Today, only the north side of the building remains, as well as the underground passages.
The arena floor is totally gone, and it is possible to access the subterranean part of the Colosseum, as well as its 3rd floor, on pre-booked tours only. The floors that are open to visitors without a special ticket are the ground and first floors. Inside the Colosseum, there's a historical exhibition with both permanent and changing displays.
Tips:
For a more convenient experience, visit either early in the morning or late in the evening. The queues during the middle of the day tend to be chaotic, and the heat can make standing around uncomfortable. If you're unable to arrive early but still wish to avoid the queues, consider opting for a guided tour by paying a slightly higher fee. This way, you'll not only skip the lines but also gain access to the Forum area. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased in advance or at the Roman Forum itself, where the queues are considerably shorter.
To enhance your visit, it's advisable to acquire an audio guide, providing detailed information about the layout and historical events that took place at different locations within the Forum.
The Colosseum amphitheater comprised four tiers that could hold up to 50,000 spectators. The lowest tier was for the emperor and the royal family; the two middle ones were for Roman citizens and members of government, while the highest tier was for the plebs. Below-ground passages were used for bringing men and animals into the arena that was separated from the audience by a ditch.
The amphitheater mainly hosted three types of shows: wild animal fights, public executions and, of course, gladiator battles. Spectacles at the Colosseum could last for days. Admission was free and the main sponsor was the Emperor himself. Despite popular belief that the early Christians were martyred here in numbers, records reveal that it was very unlikely so.
At some point, during the 18th century, the Colosseum served as a fortress and then simply became a stone quarry for other construction projects. Passers-by habitually chipped off pieces of the Colosseum for souvenirs which, together with some natural causes like earthquakes, led to its partial destruction. Today, only the north side of the building remains, as well as the underground passages.
The arena floor is totally gone, and it is possible to access the subterranean part of the Colosseum, as well as its 3rd floor, on pre-booked tours only. The floors that are open to visitors without a special ticket are the ground and first floors. Inside the Colosseum, there's a historical exhibition with both permanent and changing displays.
Tips:
For a more convenient experience, visit either early in the morning or late in the evening. The queues during the middle of the day tend to be chaotic, and the heat can make standing around uncomfortable. If you're unable to arrive early but still wish to avoid the queues, consider opting for a guided tour by paying a slightly higher fee. This way, you'll not only skip the lines but also gain access to the Forum area. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased in advance or at the Roman Forum itself, where the queues are considerably shorter.
To enhance your visit, it's advisable to acquire an audio guide, providing detailed information about the layout and historical events that took place at different locations within the Forum.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rome. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Colosseo (Colosseum) on Map
Sight Name: Colosseo (Colosseum)
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rome, Italy (See walking tours in Rome)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rome, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Rome
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rome is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rome Introduction Walking Tour I
Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 BC by twin brothers Romulus and Remus who were raised by a she-wolf. However, the pair argued about who had the support of the gods, and Romulus ended up killing Remus in a fight on what became Palatine Hill. Thus, Romulus named the city after himself and declared himself as king.
In a slightly less glorious account, Rome actually began as an Iron Age... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
In a slightly less glorious account, Rome actually began as an Iron Age... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Fountains and Squares Walking Tour
In Rome there is a lively piazza round almost every corner, each with its own unique atmosphere and its own story to tell. These public squares have been the center of Roman culture for centuries, and some of the city鈥檚 most popular attractions are located within them.
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Most piazzas have a fountain in the center and a lot of cafes around. In fact, Rome holds the largest number of fountains in... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Food Tasting Walking Tour
Whether it鈥檚 a long lunch or a stop-off for an ice cream on an evening stroll, eating in Rome is a very social activity. Culinary traditions run deep here, and it may well be one of Italy鈥檚 most pleasurable cities in which to eat. Deli shops, prosciutterias, pizzerias, fornos (bakeries) and caff猫s are also very popular and offer a great alternative to a restaurant meal.
On this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
On this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Hidden Art Treasures in Rome
Rome is one of the world's top living museums, replete with some of the most iconic pieces of art on the face of the planet. Famous artists, such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, to mention but a few, had lived and worked here and left indelible marks in the city.
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Needless to say that the abundance of masterpieces makes Rome crowded with tourists anxious to see them, causing... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Palatine Hill Walking Tour
Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome and the most ancient part of the capital. Based on Roman mythology and archaeological evidence, this hill is considered the birthplace of the city 鈥� a place where legendary Romulus founded it in 753 BC. Furthermore, the very word 鈥減alace鈥� 鈥� indicating the emperor鈥檚 residence (鈥淧alatium鈥�), much as that of other dignitaries and prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
"Roman Holiday" Movie Walking Tour
A movie beloved by generations of people, "Roman Holiday" (1953) was filmed entirely in Rome and starred two of Hollywood's greatest icons: Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The romantic comedy would go on to earn three Oscars, including the best actress trophy for Hepburn, who is entirely sympathetic in a role that could have been off-putting. The main storyline centers on a day of... view more
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 9.0 Km or 5.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 4 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 9.0 Km or 5.6 Miles
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