The Colosseum is one of the most, if not the most, prominent structures in Rome, Italy. When one mentions Rome, one of the things that immediately come to mind is the Colosseum. Many interesting events in Roman history happened here, and as someone who loves learning about history and culture, this was definitely on my travel bucket list.
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| The Colosseum |
In this quick yet detailed travel guide, I will be covering the following:
- About the Colosseum
- How to Get to the Colosseum
- Where to Book Tickets to the Colosseum
- Explore: The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
About the Colosseum
Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum was built in 72 AD under the reign of Emperor Vespasian. It was the world's largest amphitheater. Over 60,000 slaves built this impressive structure, which took a decade to complete.
The Colosseum was built to host events like battles, gladiator fights, reenactments of famous battles, and dramatic performances based on mythology bloodshed. It was also a venue for public execution, which made this structure a gruesome part of Roman history. This amphitheater can hold 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. The last recorded event in the Colosseum was in 404 AD.
Over the past couple of centuries, the Colosseum has stood the test of time. By the 20th century, nearly two-thirds of the original structure was destroyed by weather, neglect, natural calamities, and vandalism. It was in the 1990s when restoration efforts began, and it became one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome.
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| inside the Colosseum |
How to Get to the Colosseum
By Metro
The metro is the easiest way to get to the Colosseum. Take metro line B, and get off at Colosseo station. As soon as you walk outside the station, you will immediately see this massive structure.
By Bus
Many buses make a stop at the Colosseum, so it's also quite easy. Don't forget to check the bus map and make sure the bus number will make a stop at Colosseo. Here are some of the buses that you can take: 40, 51, 60, 75, 81, 175, and 204.
Where to Book Tickets to the Colosseum
Tickets to the Colosseum are available on-site. A ticket also includes admission to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which are located nearby but in a separate fenced area. Here's how much the tickets cost when you buy it on the day of your visit:
- Adult ticket: €16
- Child ticket (0-17): €6
- Adult ticket + audio guide: €26
- Child ticket + audio guide: €12
Depending on what month and time of day you visit, there may be long queues to get a ticket, and you don't really want to spend an hour or two waiting in line. This is why I would always recommend buying your ticket in advance.
Expect that there will be a slight markup in the ticket price when you buy it online. However, this means that you save time by being able to choose a date and time slot for your visit, and skipping the line.
Budget Traveler Tip:
Book your Colosseum ticket through Klook. It's cheaper compared to purchasing your ticket online directly at the Colosseum website, plus you pay in PHP instead of EUR which means you don't have to pay any fees associated with currency conversion.
Instead of paying extra for the audio guide, download the Rick Steves Audio Europe travel app. This app offers FREE audio guides for many tourist destinations in Europe. The app itself is free as well, and it's easy to use.
I downloaded the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill audio guide, and it made my tour experience so much better. It was truly interesting to hear all the facts and stories about these places back in the day.
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| perfect photo spot featuring the Colosseum |
Explore: The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
After exploring the Colosseum, next up is the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. It's a short walk from the exit of the Colosseum to get to these areas. If you're not sure where to go, you can ask any Colosseum staff member standing close to the entrance and exit points.
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| the Arch of Titus |
The Roman Forum is a site located at the center of the ancient city of Rome. Back then, it was the hub for important religious, political, and social activities. Some of the activities that took place in the forum included elections, public speeches, criminal trials and executions, social gatherings, business dealings, and religious ceremonies. It was also a marketplace for buying and selling items.
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| the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina |
Meanwhile, Palatine Hill was considered ancient Rome's upscale neighborhood. Back in the day, it was where aristocrats and emperors lived.
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| overlooking views of the Roman Forum from Palatine Hill |
You need about half a day to visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Allot at least an hour to visit the Colosseum and walk on this ancient structure while listening to the audio guide. Then I would recommend allotting two to three hours for the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, to get the most out of the tour.
I highly recommend booking a morning time slot at the Colosseum. It opens at 9:00am. This is so you can maximize your day and have plenty of time in the afternoon to do other activities in Rome.
Here are more activity options for your visit to the Colosseum:
- Rome Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours - This is a convenient option if you want an easier mode of transportation between the different popular tourist spots in Rome. It offers flexibility as you can get off at the Colosseum and change routes.
- Rome Colosseum and Roman Forum VIP Guided Tour - This is a great option if you prefer having a knowledgeable tour guide, so you get to learn more about ancient Roman history.
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