Colosseum – Top Tips for Visiting and Tickets
The Colosseum, or the Coliseum, is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It’s almost two thousand years old and is an important symbol of the Roman Empire. Therefore, when visiting Rome, the Colosseum is a must-see attraction. We’ve put together a guide full of fun facts, top tips, and details on how to get Colosseum tickets. Check out this guide before you visit the coliseum to make the most of your visit.
Save on admission
Admission to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, as well as skip-the-ticket-line entry and a guided tour, is included with the Go Rome pass. The Colosseum is a premium attraction included in the 4, 5, 6 and 7 choice Explorer passes. You could save up to 47% on admission vs gate price.
Top Colosseum facts
Here are the most important facts you need to know before visiting, from when it was built, by who and why!
When was the Colosseum built? How old is the Colosseum?
The Romans started construction in 72 AD and completed the structure in 80 AD. However, an emperor made changes to the structure between 81-96 AD. Therefore, based on the date of completion, the Colosseum is 1,939 years old in 2019.
Who built the Colosseum?
Construction began under the emperor Vespasian, continued under and the emperor (and Vespasian's son) Titus. The emperor (and Titus’ younger brother) Domitian, then modified it. The three emperors are known as the Flavian dynasty, and as a result, the Colosseum is also known as the Flavian amphitheater.
Where is the Colosseum?
The Colosseum is in the Celio district of Rome, Italy. It’s located at Piazza del Colosseo and is near Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum.
What is the Colosseum?
The Colosseum was a Roman amphitheater and is a symbol of the Roman empire. It is now a historic landmark, and in 2018, it was the most visited tourist attraction in the world.
Why was the Colosseum built? What was the Colosseum used for?
The Colosseum was built to host gladiatorial shows and other entertaining, but often violent, events. Gladiators would fight each other, criminals and wild animals for entertainment. Between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators watched these events.
Colosseum Guide
Check out our top tips for visiting to make the most of your trip.
What to see and do at the Colosseum
- Walk around the first and second tiers. Experience what it would have been like to have been an audience member at a gladiator fight.
- Learn about the Colosseum’s rich history and the role it played in the Roman Empire. Discover the emperors and the dynasty behind its construction.
- Visit the museum dedicated to Eros, the Greek God of Love. It’s full of ancient artifacts discovered during an excavation of the Colosseum.
- Take a guided tour for in-depth knowledge of the building, its history, and the infamous games it was host to. Make the most of getting to ask an expert guide any questions you may have.
What to take to the Colosseum
- Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be walking around and climbing stairs for a couple of hours – make sure you’re wearing comfortable walking shoes.
- Weather appropriate clothing: Most of the site is outside, so if you’re visiting during the summer, you could be in the sun for quite some time. Make sure to wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. On the other hand, if it is raining during your visit, make sure you come prepared with raincoats, umbrellas and waterproof shoes.
- A camera: The Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are full of breathtaking views and remarkable sights. Bring a camera to document your favorite spots, and to capture those all-important family vacation snaps.
- A small to a medium-sized bag: They prohibit larger bags, and all bags are subject to a security check.
Top tips for visiting the Colosseum
- Take a guided tour to make the most of your visit. Discover the history and secrets of the arena with an expert’s help. They’ll take you to all the best bits.
- Use a Go Rome pass for entry. You’ll get fast track entry, access to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum, plus a tour with an expert guide.
- Take your time. There is so much to see, so don’t rush your visit. It could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to see such an important historic landmark.
- Don’t forget Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, they are just as interesting and exciting. Make time to visit these too.
Did you know?
- Around 200 cats live in the Colosseum. Local volunteers feed and take care of them.
- There are underground rooms and tunnels underneath the arena. They kept the gladiators and animals down there.
- The Colosseum originally had around 80 entrances.
In summary
The Colosseum is a must-visit attraction for anyone going on vacation to Rome. It’s one of the city’s most important sites and a top landmark to visit to understand the history and significance of the Roman Empire.
Save on admission
Admission to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, as well as fast track entry and a guided tour, is included with the Go Rome pass. The Colosseum is a premium attraction included in the 4, 5, 6 and 7 choice Explorer passes. You could save up to 47% on admission vs gate price.
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