Roman Colosseum, Rome
Built by Vespasian and completed by Titus in 80 AD, the Roman Colosseum (also Roman Coliseum) is considered by many to be the symbol of Rome. While only the skeleton of this Flavius amphitheater remains it was once the biggest and most imposing in the Roman world. As you tour this elliptical arena imagine what it looked like long ago. The first three floors had 80 arches each. The arches on the second and third floors were decorated with enormous statues. The Roman Colosseum was once completely covered in travertine stone slab and seated more than 50,000 people. And to celebrate the opening Titus held a ceremony that lasted 100 days. The performances included gladiator games and hunts some of which included thousands of animals. For the naumachia the Colosseum was filled with water and real naval battles were held. So what happened to all the missing pieces? The Popes who ruled Rome in the Middle Ages used the Colosseum as a quarry. They removed the marble, iron and lead and used it to build edifices around the city.
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Getting there
The Colosseum is located at Piazza Colosseo 1 in the center of Rome. Metro line B, tram 3 and city buses 60, 75, 85, 87, 117, 175, 186, 271, 571, 810 and 850 all stop nearby. A tour of the Roman Colosseum is easily combined with other Rome monuments and museums and it is an easy walk from Trajan's Market, Capitoline Museums and Roman Forum.
Opening hours
The Colosseum is open daily 8:30 to one hour before sunset (16:30 in winter, 19:15 in summer). It is closed January 1, May 1 and December 25 and closes at 14:00 on Good Friday. Of note, the last entrance is one hour before the close.
Fees
Tickets to the Roman Coliseum can be purchased at the monument, Palatine Hill and Roman Forum ticket booths, or online for an additional charge. The entrance fee is €9 (€2 supplement for exhibits) for adults, €4.5 (€2 supplement for exhibits) for EU students aged 18-24 and free of charge for EU children (under 18) and seniors (over 65). Tourist Cards, valid for 3 days, offer discounted admission (entrance to the first 2 is free) to a variety of Rome monuments, museums and events and entitle holders to ride free on public transport. Roma Pass is €20; Roma & Più Pass costs €25. A supplement may be charged for exhibits.
Things to keep in mind
Apart from the museum, any tour of the Roman Coliseum is outdoors. Allow at least an hour for an unguided Coliseum tour.
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