Colosseum Rome

Kolosseum Rom

Adress

Piazza del Colosseo,1

00184 Rom

Tickets

Regular tickets, Arena, Underground, guided tours. Find your tickets

Opening hours

01.10.24 – 29.03.2025: 8:30 – 16:30

The Colosseum, an iconic symbol of ancient Rome, stands as a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of the Roman Empire. The Colosseum arena served as a grand stage for gladiatorial combat and public entertainment, showcasing the cultural and political significance of the events held within its walls. This ancient amphitheater could accommodate large crowds, and its design facilitated the staging of spectacular events that captivated the Roman populace.

The Roman Colosseum

The Roman Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome, Italy. Nestled in the heart of the Eternal City, this ancient marvel is a must-visit for anyone captivated by history, architecture, and culture. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the fascinating journey of the Roman Colosseum, from its storied past to its present-day allure, including essential information on accessibility, security, and nearby attractions.

Conveniently located in the bustling Piazza del Colosseo, the Colosseum is easily accessible by public transportation. Whether you choose to travel by metro, bus, or tram, reaching this historic site is straightforward, making it an essential stop on your itinerary when visiting Rome.

The Colosseum of Rome – The Largest Amphitheater in the World

The Colosseum is one of the most famous and impressive structures of the Roman era. Built around 72-80 AD, almost 2000 years ago, it remains astonishingly well-preserved to this day.

By modern standards, the Colosseum could accommodate approximately 50,000 spectators. During its active period, however, it likely held up to 87,000 people.

Eighty entrances ensured that the amphitheater could be completely evacuated in a very short time. Modern stadiums are fundamentally designed in a very similar way. The design of the Colosseum also took into account the intense heat of the Roman sun to protect spectators from heat and rain during events.

The Colosseum’s underground area was originally constructed to stage mock naval battles. To achieve this, the arena floor could be removed, and the basement below flooded. However, historians disagree on whether such a naval battle was ever actually performed in the Colosseum.

The cellar rooms of the Colosseum, which are still visible today, could not have been flooded. When the large basement was divided into individual rooms remains unknown. It is believed, however, that this happened relatively soon after its construction and that no naval battle ever took place in the Colosseum.

The hypogeum, consisting of cellar rooms, passageways, and supply shafts, enabled extraordinarily sophisticated stage technology for its time. Through winches, pulleys, ramps, and elevators, new stage settings could be created on the arena floor in a matter of moments.

Kolosseum Rom Besichtigung

Practical information

Opening hours, How to get here, security checks etc.

Useful information for your visit at the colosseum in Rome

Kolosseum Rom aus der Luft

Colosseum Museum

“Museo del Colosseo”, on 2nd level of the colosseum

Take a deepdive into the history of the colosseum – from the early beginnings to the present.

History of the Colosseum

The construction of the Colosseum began in 72 AD under the rule of Emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD during the reign of his son, Emperor Titus. This monumental structure was built as a testament to the power and grandeur of the Roman Empire. The Colosseum hosted a variety of events, including gladiator fights, animal exhibitions, and public executions, captivating audiences with its sheer scale and engineering brilliance. With a capacity to accommodate up to 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum featured an intricate system of pulleys, counterweights, and ramps that facilitated the swift and efficient movement of scenery and animals, making it an engineering marvel of its time. Learn more about the history of the Colosseum

Gladiator Fights and Wild Animals

The Colosseum is best known as the venue for gladiator fights and animal hunts. The underground level includes a tunnel connecting to the gladiator barracks, as well as dungeons and cells for slaves and condemned individuals.

Historians estimate that at least 500,000 people and more than 1 million animals lost their lives in the Colosseum.

The Colosseum was used as an arena for nearly 450 years. However, by around 500 AD, it no longer served any practical purpose. The Colosseum endured bombings during World War II and has adapted and repurposed over the centuries.

Visiting the Colosseum

Anyone wishing to visit the Colosseum should take their time and try to explore both the arena floor and the underground levels. A guided tour with experienced guides is highly recommended.

Colosseum Tickets & Guided Tours

There are numerous tours and ticket options for the Colosseum: audio guides, personal tours, with or without access to the underground and arena floor, special family tours, and more. On our ticket page, you’ll find helpful information about the various options available.

Accessibility and Security

The Colosseum is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. Ramps and elevators ensure that individuals with disabilities can access the arena and upper levels with ease. Security is a top priority, with metal detectors and bag checks in place to safeguard all guests. To streamline your visit, it is advisable to travel light, as large bags and backpacks are not permitted, and smaller bags will undergo screening. Read more on our tickets – page.

Nearby Attractions

The Colosseum is surrounded by a wealth of other historical landmarks that are well worth exploring. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, offering a glimpse into the political and social heart of ancient Rome. The Arch of Constantine, another nearby marvel, stands as a testament to Rome’s rich history. For panoramic views of the Colosseum and the cityscape, head to Piazza Venezia. Additionally, iconic sites such as the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps are within easy reach, making your visit to Rome’s Colosseum a gateway to discovering the Eternal City’s timeless charm.

New articles

Pantheon Rom
Alltag im antiken Rom
Wagenrennen Rom Sieger Scorpus

Chariot races in ancient Rome

Chariot races were one of the most popular and spectacular forms of entertainment in ancient Rome. They were more than just a sport—they were an integral part of Roman culture, religion, and politics. In this article, we aim to compile everything you need to know about chariot races in ancient Rome: what they were, where…
Read more
Kolosseum Untergrund

Frequently Asked Questions About the Colosseum

Before your visit to the Colosseum, you probably have plenty of questions. Answers to the most common questions about the Colosseum itself can be found here, and practical tips for your visit are available in our FAQ section on visiting.

What Makes the Colosseum So Special?

The Colosseum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most impressive structures of the Roman era, and nearly 2,000 years old. It could hold approximately 50,000 spectators, and even modern football stadiums are designed based on the same principles. Particularly remarkable is the stage technology, which, through the underground structure with numerous elevators, staircases, and trapdoors, allowed for complex stage setups.

How Much are Colosseum tickets?

The cheapest tickets for the Colosseum cost around €19, depending on the season and availability. Capacity is very limited, and during peak times, tickets must be reserved weeks in advance. There are also numerous exciting guided tours available in various languages, ranging from €64 to €109. You can find all options under Tickets.

How Long Should You Spend at the Colosseum?

For a self-guided tour with an audio guide, you should plan to spend at least one hour in the Colosseum, plus another hour for the Roman Forum. However, how long you stay is entirely up to you.
Guided tours usually last between 1.5 and 3 hours. We recommend setting aside at least half a day to explore the former political and social center, as there is more than enough to see.

What Is the Colosseum Today?

Today, the Colosseum is a world-famous landmark and one of the most important tourist attractions in Rome and Italy. It attracts millions of visitors every year.