A Step-by-Step Guide to the Rome Colosseum Tour

Introduction

Rome, otherwise known as The Eternal City. Is a must-see, as there is something for people of all ages. It can be a very exciting visit for first-time tourists or even for those who have been to Rome before.

Since there are plenty of famous landmarks and sites to see. Each the more magnificent than the other. But make sure to keep The Colosseum on your list of places to visit. Since it is known as the biggest amphitheater in the world. Without seeing the architectural beauty of this place your tour will remain incomplete.

A visit to The Colosseum can be quite a hassle to plan. It can take a good amount of time to book your desired time slot and also book the right ticket.

No worries! This blog will provide you with all the necessary information. So that you can take a non hectic tour of The Colosseum.

Colosseum’s History

The Colosseum, otherwise known as Flavian Amphitheater, is one of the most famous landmarks in Rome.

The large arena was built by Flavian Roman Emperors of Vespasian (69-79 CE), Titus ( 79-81 CE), and Domitian (81-96 CE). The building measures 188 meters in length, 45 meters in height and width stands at 156 meters. The Colosseum could accommodate up to 50,000 people at a time.

The Colosseum was built from locally quarried limestone. The walls were made from volcanic stones and bricks. The vaults were built with a pumice stone.

The large amphitheater held gladiator fights, executions, and the hunting of wild animals. All this took place from 80CE to 404 CE.

Unfortunately, there was a massive earthquake in 1231 CE which caused a lot of damage to The Colosseum. But over the years a number of architectures renewed the building and made it what it is today.

What to see at the Colosseum

• The Arena

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  This is the place where all the battles and gladiator games took place. Occasionally there were also fights between men versus wild animals. Even the execution of prisoners took place there. Where thousands of spectators could watch.

  The Colosseum was supported by a framework of tunnels, where stone walls supported the wooden floors. The wooden floors were covered with sand. This was done to absorb all the blood from the fighting.

  There were around 36 trap doors that were used to bring out contestants for battle.

• Ludus Magnus

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  The Ludus Magnus was originally built by Emperor Domitian, between 81 and 96 AD. It was used as a training school for gladiators who used to fight in the Colosseum.

  The complex had limited seats for spectators and storage rooms for equipment. There was a tunnel too. This was a link between the underground chambers of the Colosseum and the training center.

  If you visit you can still see the cells where the gladiators were kept. Also, water fountains from which the gladiators drank.

• The Hypogeum

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  This lies below the Colosseum where there are a number of tunnels. These were used by gladiators and event organizers to make preparations for the upcoming battles.

  Unfortunately, most of the architecture has been destroyed. But luckily you can still see the cages. These were used as a waiting area for gladiators and animals before showtime.

• Roman Forum

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  The Roman Forum in ancient Rome was the area for daily life. It was used as a place for trials, elections, public gatherings, and gladiatorial combat. There were also shops and markets along the streets and alleys.

  Most of all it was for Rome’s basilicas and temples.

  But this site was originally used as a burial ground.

• Palatine Hill

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  Palatine Hill is known as the most famous of the seven hills of Rome.It is located near the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

  Back in ancient Rome times, this was the home to emperors and aristocrats. Apparently, this was the place where Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf.

  Today you can see the famous hut of Romulus. And also the ruins of the Flavian Palace and Stadium of Domitian.

• Arch of Constantine

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  The arch lies very near the Colosseum. It was built in ancient Roman times. The measurements are 21 meters high and 25 meters wide. It is made up of three arches.

  The monument has carvings on marble blocks. These show statues were taken from the Trajan’s Forum and also Marcus Aurelius.

Reasons why you should take a guided tour at Colosseum

• Access to the Arena, Belvedere, and Underground is restricted. In order to explore these areas, a guided tour is compulsory.

• A guided tour will help you to understand all the history of the Colosseum. The tour comes in four languages which are: English, Spanish, Italian and French.

• Most of all you can save a lot of time. This is because the guided tour includes skip-the-line tickets. Hence, you do not have to wait in long lines to enter.

Location and timing of the Colosseum Tour

The Colosseum is open every day from 8.30 am till 1 hour before the sunsets. But it is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.

The Colosseum lies in the center of Rome, on Piazza del Colosseo. Luckily, The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill are all very near to one another. Hence, you can visit them all with the same ticket.

How to get to the Colosseum

• By metro: hop on from Termini or Piramide which will take you to Colosseo station along line B. You will then stop directly in front of the entrance of the Colosseum.

• By foot: the Colosseum is very near the city center. So if you are staying in a hotel in the city then a short walk will take you to the Colosseum.

• By bus: if you want to enjoy a bus ride straight to the Colosseum then hop onto bus numbers. 51,75,85,87,118.

  There are three forms of transport which can take you to The Colosseum.

• Bus: those of you who wish to view the city on the way to The Colosseum can take bus numbers 51,75,85,87,117.

• Metro: Take the metro from Termini or Piramide which will drop you off to Colosseo station line B. Which is just in front of the entrance of The Colosseum.

• By foot: if you are planning to stay in the city, a short walk can take you to The Colosseum.

How to purchase Colosseum tour tickets

Since the Colosseum is a famous tourist attraction and is always filled with tourists. They allow visitors according to different time slots. Hence you can get your tickets and time slots by choosing any of the following options:

• Waiting in line at the ticket counter of the Colosseum to buy a ticket. Although this can be quite difficult, due to the long queues. Hence, you may not get the ticket according to your desired time.

• Purchasing skip-the-line tickets online beforehand is the best way to get your desired time slot.

• You can take a guided tour in order to enter quickly.

• By using the Roma Pass you can enter the Colosseum.

Different types of Colosseum tour tickets

• Arena Access ticket:

  This will enable you to take a tour of the arena. But in much more detail than what the regular ticket offers.

• Hypogeum Access Tickets and Belvedere Access Tickets:

  Both of these tickets offer guided tours at Colosseum.

• Regular Combination Ticket to The Colosseum, the Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum:

  This ticket has a validity of two days. Hence, it gives you plenty of time to explore the three sites.

• Night tours at Colosseum:

  Tickets are only available on specific days of the year. Hence you must seek information regarding night tours to tickets beforehand.

Advice for visiting the Colosseum

• Since the building has a lot of stairs to climb. It would be a good idea to wear comfortable shoes.

• The first Sunday of every month allows visitors to enter the Colosseum for free.

• The best time to visit is after 3 pm. As the crowds die down.

• Definitely book your tickets in advance. As this will save a lot of time standing in queues.

• It is best to leave valuables and cash at the hotels. Since there are a large number of pickpockets.

Trivia

• There are a total of 80 entrances and exits in and out of the Colosseum. Although some of them are not used anymore, due to safety issues.

• Apparently, 500,000 human lives and a million animal lives were lost at the Colosseum. As the place was a venue for battles between humans against animals.

• The Colosseum got its name in the year 1000. Before that, it was known as the Flavian Amphitheater.

• The ‘thumbs up’ gesture originally comes from the Colosseum. It was a sign to put gladiators on the battlefield.

• The Gate of death is the gate out of the west exit. Dead gladiators were carried out this way.

• The Colosseum has been seen in many movies. It has also been a venue for concerts of popular pop singers over the years.

Final word

The Colosseum is the center of attraction for tourists who visit Rome. This is mainly because of all the history it holds. Make sure you purchase tickets beforehand and also take a guided tour. This will make the whole visit a lot more hassle-free.

Since you are visiting the Colosseum you might as well take a look at the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Some tickets will avail you to visit the three landmarks together.

According to your comfort, you can take either the bus or metro to the Colosseum. Luckily, those who are staying in the city can easily take a short walk.

It will be a good idea to visit after 3 pm as you can walk around without bumping into too many people. There are various types of tickets. Choose the one that suits you the most and fits with your schedule.