A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Colosseum is the largest Roman-era amphitheatre on the planet. Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Colosseum is a must-see attraction and the symbol of the Eternal City. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum was built between 70 and 72 AD at the behest of Emperor Vespasian. Once built, this architectural masterpiece became Rome’s first permanent amphitheatre, inaugurated in 80 AD with 100 days of games.
The Colosseum can hold between 50,000 and 87,000 spectators. Back in its day, it served as a venue for entertainment in the imperial city, where gladiatorial shows, naval battles, re-enactments of famous skirmishes and classical dramas, as well as other public events were hosted. Having fallen into disuse during the Middle Ages, this huge structure was subject to several reuses and partial demolitions until its restoration in the 19th century. It’s with these constant changes of use, that the Colosseum looks very different to us today than it once did.
In fact, the amphitheatre’s façade was initially covered in marble. This very material was taken and reused in the construction of other famous Roman buildings, such as Palazzo Barberini and St Peter’s Basilica.
Things to know before you go
The Colosseum is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
There are free-to-use toilets and baby-changing facilities within the visiting area.
There’s also a food court and a bookshop.
Colosseum opening hours:
Opens 09:00 to 16:30, every day in autumn and winter.
Opens 08:30 to 19:15, every day in spring and summer.
Check the Colosseum’s official website for updated visiting hours.
Last admission is allowed one hour before closing time.
How to get to the Colosseum:
By Metro – take line B, Colosseum stop, about 3 minutes’ walk By bus – take lines 51, 75, 81, 85, 87 or 118
By tram – take line 3
By car – the nearest paid parking lots are Park Service Colosseo, about 6 minutes’ walk from the monument, and Parking Sant’Agata, about 11 minutes’ walk away. Both parking lots are within the ZTL area.
By foot – the Colosseum is centrally located, so it is also possible to reach it on foot. It’s about 15 minutes from Piazza Venezia, about 20 minutes from the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, and about 30 minutes from the Spanish Steps.
