The Colosseum

The History

Construction began under Emperor Vespasian around 70–72 AD and was completed under his son Titus in 80 AD. The opening celebrations lasted 100 days: an estimated 9,000 animals were killed, and gladiatorial combat filled the programme. The building could accommodate between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators — held in tiered seating organised by social class, with senators in the front rows, women and the poor in the upper tiers.

The name "Colosseum" likely comes from a colossal gilded bronze statue of Nero that once stood nearby (the Colossus of Nero, 30 metres tall). The amphitheatre's original name was the Flavian Amphitheatre (Amphitheatrum Flavium), after the Flavian dynasty of emperors who built it.

Gladiatorial games ended in 435 AD. Animal hunts (venationes) continued until 523 AD. The building was subsequently used as a quarry for building material (including for St Peter's Basilica), a fortress, housing, and eventually a sacred site commemorating Christian martyrs. Systematic excavation and restoration began in the 19th century.

What to See

The Arena Floor

The wooden arena floor has been partially reconstructed to give a sense of the original space. (The original floor was removed in medieval times, revealing the hypogeum beneath.) Standing on the arena floor looking up at the surrounding tiers gives the most visceral sense of what it would have been like to perform — or fight — here. The scale is genuinely impressive even for modern standards.

The Hypogeum (Underground) — Book as Add-On

The hypogeum is the network of tunnels, corridors, and chambers beneath the arena floor. This is where gladiators waited before their bout, where animals (lions, tigers, bears, elephants, rhinoceroses) were kept in cages, and where the elaborate machinery of the arena was operated. A system of 28 lifts, operated by winches, raised animals and fighters through trapdoors directly into the arena.

The hypogeum tour requires a separate add-on ticket (€9 on top of the standard entry) and must be pre-booked. It's genuinely extraordinary — the engineering for 80 AD is mind-boggling — and the best add-on if you're interested in how the place actually operated.

The Upper Tiers

The upper tier (third and fourth levels) requires a separate add-on ticket and gives the best views of the Roman Forum below, the Palatine Hill, and the full interior of the Colosseum. The view from here of the seating capacity and the arena is more impressive than the view from the standard ground floor entry. Worth booking if you're a serious photography enthusiast.

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (Included on Ticket)

Your Colosseum ticket includes entry to both the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, valid for two consecutive days. The Forum was the centre of Roman political, religious, and commercial life — the Via Sacra (Sacred Way), the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Saturn, the Curia Julia (Senate House). Palatine Hill rises above the Forum and was the most desirable address in ancient Rome — the palaces of the emperors were here. The view from Palatine Hill down into the Forum and across to the Colosseum is one of the great views in Rome.

Insider Tips

• Book the first entry of the day (9am): The crowds build throughout the morning. 9am is dramatically calmer than 11am.
• The gladiator schools: Scuola Gladiatori Roma (10-minute walk from the Colosseum) offers gladiator training sessions. Excellent for families and completely different from a standard visit.
• Night tours: In summer, the Colosseum runs evening access tours when the site is lit and (nearly) empty. These are extraordinary and book out weeks ahead.
• Free entry days: The first Sunday of each month, many state museums including the Colosseum offer free entry. The queue, however, is the longest of the year — arrive before 7am if attempting this.
• Accessibility: The Colosseum has a lift to the first and second levels. The hypogeum and upper tier are not fully accessible.

Getting There

Metro Line B to Colosseo station — the Colosseum is visible from the station exit. Bus 51, 75, 85, 87 stop at Colosseo. Walk from the Forum area (5 minutes) or from Termini (30 minutes on foot).