Travel bucket list idea:
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Built by Emperor Vespasian beginning in AD 72 and known as the Flavian Amphitheatre in ancient times, the thrilling Colosseum still manages to pull a hefty crowd.
Inaugurated by the Emperor’s son, Titus, in AD 80, it could hold an unruly crowd of more than 50,000 spectators. With a circumference of 545m, it’s considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering.
The remarkably well-preserved walls, seating stands and underground tunnels are an evocative reminder of gory gladiatorial history.
Lovers of the film Gladiator will relish a guided tour of the monumental arena, where gladiatorial contests and traditional games were held.
For a truly instagrammable shot of the Colosseum in all its glory, go to the northern side of the monument next to the Metro station. There, stairs go up from the street to a landing where you can perfectly capture, in perpetuity, Rome’s most ancient and iconic ruin.
Get to the Colosseum by metro or tram (Colosseo station). Note that if you’re planning to visit the Forum too, you may want to start there – you can exit the Forum via the Colosseum, but not the other way round.
New 60- to 75-minute guided tours provide access to the fascinating underground space, as well as the very top tier of the Colosseum; the tour is popular, so book well in advance. Audio tours (1 hour 10 minutes) are also available – there’s even one in Latin!
A bit of reading up prior to your visit will bring the ruins to life. See this website for a useful resource on the Colosseum, including practical guidance and background information on the games and architecture of the amphitheatre.
Come prepared with sunscreen and hat during summer, when the Colosseum can seem like a giant bowl of heat.
The Colosseum is open all year round, seven days a week. The best times to visit are on weekdays at opening time to beat the crowds. Alternatively, leave it until late in the day.
Try to avoid visiting on a rainy day, as much of the action is outside.
The perfect time to visit the Colosseum is sundown. The Moon over the Colosseum guided tour starts from 25 July until 31 October. Available for purchase online.
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