Colosseum
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 23 January 2024
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One of the most famous sights in the world and the very icon of Rome, the Colosseum is perhaps the best starting point for any itinerary of the city.
Located at the heart of Ancient Rome, the structure has stood for almost 2,000 years and is arguably the grandest existing symbol of the former might of the Roman Empire. |
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Ancient entertainments
Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum took 10 years to build and its inauguration was celebrated by 100 continuous days of Games in 80 AD. Crowds of between 50,000 to 80,000 flocked to the arena to witness a variety of entertainment from gladiatorial contests to mock sea battles, public executions, animal hunts and theatrical productions.
Largely intact
Despite earthquakes, stone-thieves and a series of infamous sacks of the city, the Colosseum stands imperious to this day and despite much of the structure having fallen by the wayside over the years, its current, broken form makes for one of the most intoxicating of sights that simply cannot be missed.
The fact that you can walk out of a modern underground Metro system and see a largely-intact, 2,000 year old stadium right in the heat of the city is really what characterises Rome and will suitably mark the start of your visit.
The Colosseum was the most visited attraction with an entry fee required in the last year before the pandemic. A total of 7.6 million visitors paid to enter the site in 2019, a long way ahead of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence which came second with just under 4.4 million.
The fact that you can walk out of a modern underground Metro system and see a largely-intact, 2,000 year old stadium right in the heat of the city is really what characterises Rome and will suitably mark the start of your visit.
The Colosseum was the most visited attraction with an entry fee required in the last year before the pandemic. A total of 7.6 million visitors paid to enter the site in 2019, a long way ahead of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence which came second with just under 4.4 million.
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Opening-times:
January 1st - February 15th: 08:30 to 16:30 February 16th to March 15th: 08:30 to 17:00 March 16th to last Saturday of March: 08:30 to 17:30 Last Sunday of March to August 31st: 08:30 to 19:15 September 1st to September 30th: 08:30 to 19:00 October 1st to last Saturday of October: 08:30 to 18:30 December 25th, January 1st & May 1st: closed |
Prices:
Adults: €12 EU Citizens aged 18-25: €7.50 Children under 18: free entrance |
Colosseo/Anfiteatro Flaviano
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City: Rome
Province: Metropolitan City of Rome Region: Lazio Built: From 70 -80 AD Nearest Metro stop: Colosseo - Line B - 1 minute walk Fly to: Rome Fiumicino Airport - 27 minutes by car (29 km) Close by: Arch of Constantine, Roman Forum, Il Vittoriano Recommended accommodation: Hotel Artemide |
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UNESCO World Heritage Site
Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in the City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura Year: 1980 |
Top Attraction
Annual visitor numbers: 7,617,469 Ranked number 1 in Italy in 2019 Source: Italian Ministry of Culture and Tourism |
