Colosseum: Tickets

Colosseum Tickets and Information

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• Colosseum Address: Colosseum, Piazzo del Colosseo, 1, Rome, 00184
• Opening Hours: 08:30 - 19:15

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Is the Colosseum Worth Visiting

• Its the Colosseum - absolutely!
• It you like historical buildings that are steeped in history, yes, definitely.‍‍

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What You See When Visiting the Colosseum

• The Colosseum.
• The Emperor's Box.
• The Gladiator's Gate.
• Different areas, depending on your ticket type, such as the arena floor and underground.

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About The Colosseum

The mighty Colosseum in the heart of Rome. One of Italy's most famous landmarks and one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions. Recognised worldwide and on most people’s “Things to do in Rome” lists.

Constructed between 72-80 C.E. by Roman Emperors Vespasian and Titus, it was used as an amphitheatre for gladiatorial combats, animal hunts, mock naval battles, and even public executions.

The Romans called it the 'Flavian Amphitheatre,'. Had you asked for directions to the 'Colosseum' at the time, they wouldn’t have known what you were talking about!

The Colosseum was actively used for around 500 years until the 6th century, it's now one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Modern World’ and a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the 'Historic Centre of Rome' category.

Colosseum Architecture

The Colosseum was constructed using concrete, sand, and travertine limestone in an elliptical shape with it's famous grandiose façade, making it instantly recognisable. It could accommodate up to 80,000 spectators, which given how long ago it was built is a testament to Roman engineering brilliance. The exterior features three different types of columns, ‘Doric’, ‘Ionic’, and ‘Corinthian’, which highlight the beauty of classical Roman architecture.

Beneath the arena, where the gladiators and animals were kept, lies a network of ramps, tunnels, and elevators. Some of the mechanical processes that were used to operate the trapdoors on the arena floor allowed dramatic entrances for gladiators and animals, all adding to the spectacle of watching a performance. Much like modern arenas, spectators were seated according to their social status and wealth, with premium views available at higher costs.

The Colosseum has been damaged multiple times over the centuries including from a major earthquake in the 1300s, water damage due to poor ground quality, and looting of stones.

Renovation projects have taken place over the years in order to preserve it. In 2017 after renovations, the 4th and 5th tiers of the Colosseum were reopened, which hadn't been open for decades due to damage, and they now offer views that hadn't been accessible for many years.

The Arena Floor

The arena floor would have been made out of wooden planks and most probably covered with sand to provide traction and absorb blood during events. In fact, the word ‘arena’ is actually derived from the Latin word ‘harena’, which referred to a sandy place. Over time, it became the word ‘arena’.

Over centuries, the wooden floor of the arena decayed, leaving the hypogeum exposed. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to preserve and partially restore the floor and in 2021, plans were announced to rebuild parts of it using modern technology, allowing you to walk on it and better understand how it functioned! Just imagine standing on it and looking at the crowds chanting!

The arena would have measured around 83 by 48 meters (272 by 157 feet) and the floor could be removed or altered to accommodate the different types of performances, such as gladiatorial combat, animal hunts, and even simulated naval battles in earlier periods.

The Hypogeum (Underground System)

The hypogeum was a later addition to the Colosseum and was constructed under Emperor Domitian. It consisted of two levels of underground tunnels and chambers. It featured a complex system of corridors, holding cells, and cages for animals and gladiators.

There were pulleys, winches, and counterweight systems which enabled the gladiators, animals and scenery to be hoisted to the arena floor, allowing for spectacular and unexpected appearances during events.

The hypogeum would have been divided into sections for different purposes, such as animal pens, preparation areas for performers, and storage for props and machinery.

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