Quick travel guide – THE COLOSSEUM

The Colosseum is one of the most popular monuments in Rome. This incredible venue is the largest amphitheatre ever built, making it one of the greatest wonders of the world. Used for gladiatorial games, animal hunts and mock-sea battles, it is estimated that the Colosseum could once accommodate up to 80,000 people.

This great masterpiece in Rome leaves visitors speechless while transporting them back in time. To get a taste of what it must have been like to join the crowd and watch gladiators fight to the death inside the amphitheatre, or simply to enjoy the atmosphere surrounding a famous monument, a visit to the Colosseum is an absolute must.

The best way to explore and understand this enormous amphitheatre is to join one of our Colosseum guided tours, for a complete experience in Rome.

Where is the Colosseum located and how to get there?

The Colosseum is located about 1 km south-east of the historic center of Rome and less than 2 km from Termini station where lines A and B of the Rome underground cross. Getting to the Colosseum is therefore very simple, just take the metro line B and get off at the ‘Colosseo’ stop. Remember to purchase your transport ticket in advance and to validate it upon boarding.

To the south of the Colosseum you find the tram station named Piazza del Colosseo, where you can take the tram lines number 3 and 8. You can also take the bus lines: 118, 117, 87, 85, 75, and 51.

How to visit the Colosseum?

There are a few ways to get tickets for the Colosseo, but here is what we recommend:

Usually, the crowds are giant at the Colosseum, so it’s better to buy your tickets online, to avoid the long lines at the ticket counter.

Of course, the best option to visit such an important attraction is to join a guided tour. The Colosseo can be very overwhelming, so if you want to learn about the history of the Colosseum and get an in-depth look at the structure, then a guided tour is definitely worth it. A professional tour guide will give you an in-depth look at the Colosseum’s history and how it has been used over the centuries. It is a must-do in Rome.

What to see at the Colosseum?

Colosseum’s levels: The Colosseum had 3 tiers in which the different classes of society sat. The first and lowest tier was for the senators, ambassadors and vestals. The second tier was reserved for the wealthy class and the third tier was open to the public.

Arena floor: The stage for the gladiator battles, the arena floor of the Colosseum has been witness to epic fights between beasts and men. Made of wood and covered in a layer of sand to absorb the blood, the arena rotted and disappeared over time. Today a section of it has been reconstructed to give visitors a taste of its earlier grandeur.

Hypogeum: Underneath the arena floor is a network of tunnels, chambers and cells, where slaves, prisoners, gladiators and animals were kept. It was built approximately 10 years after the inauguration of the Colosseum by Domitian, because the amphitheatre had housed naval battles before.

Why take a Colosseum tour?

This tour is undoubtedly worth your time and money. While you can always buy tickets to visit the Colosseum on your own, we highly recommend joining a Colosseum guided tour. Given the tens of thousands of people visiting this monument every day, accessing it on your own can be time-consuming and you will not understand much. With a guided tour, not only will you avoid the long lines, but you will be led by an expert who will introduce you to the history of the giant amphitheater and make you feel like a real Roman. Once inside, a tour guide’s in-depth knowledge of the structure and insider’s tips will be very helpful.

With the help of our travel experts, you can visit the Colosseum too! Check out our Colosseum guided tours and join us for the best possible experience in Rome!