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The Colosseum or Coliseum (Latin: Colossus – “huge,” Italian: Colosseo), also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre (Latin: Amphitheatrum Flavium), is perhaps the grandest construction in the history and culture of ancient Rome.
It is located to the south of the central part of the Eternal City, just east of the Roman Forum. Built during the extensive reconstruction of Rome, it was the most prestigious venue for entertainment in the capital and empire for four centuries. Over time, this colossal arena became the hallmark of Rome.
Where to Buy Rome Colosseum Tickets?
The standard ticket to the Coliseum costs €25. This price also includes entry to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Access is valid for 48 hours.
Discounted tickets are available for €7.50, valid for EU citizens aged 18 to 24.
EU citizens can visit the Colosseum free of charge (reservation required). In addition, residents of the European Union under the age of 18 and over 65 may enter the amphitheatre via a dedicated entrance without paying.
You can try to purchase tickets at the last minute at the box office opposite—see instructions. Bear in mind that only a few hundred tickets are available daily for visitors who have not booked in advance.
Booking in advance costs €2 but helps avoid lengthy queues at the ticket office. Also, do not trust guides offering their services next to the walls of the Colosseum.
Things to Know Before Visit Colosseum
Is the Colosseum open every day?
Who built Rome Colosseum?
How long did it take to build the Colosseum?
What does Colosseum mean?
Why Colosseum was built?
How far is the Roman Forum from the Colosseum?
Why Colosseum is a wonder of the world?
History of the Roman Colosseum
The Colosseum was commissioned around AD 70–72 by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty as a gift to the Roman people. Later, in AD 80, Vespasian’s son Titus inaugurated this immense structure with 100 days of games, including gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights.
At the time, the Colosseum was known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. It remained in active use by Romans for four centuries, but by the 18th century, the arena had become a source of building materials. As a result, two-thirds of the original structure has been lost over time. Nevertheless, the amphitheatre remains one of the most renowned tourist destinations in the world and an enduring symbol of Rome.
Features of the Construction of the Colosseum in Rome
In AD 64, the Great Fire of Rome devastated the Eternal City. This occurred during the reign of Nero, who seized the land to build a lavish palace complex with a lake and gardens—known as the Domus Aurea (“Golden House”). A 37-metre-high statue of Nero also stood on the site. However, Nero’s misrule led to civil unrest. After his death, Emperor Vespasian (AD 69–79) and his sons, Titus (79–81) and Domitian (81–96), sought to restore the authority of the Senate and improve public welfare.
Around AD 70–72, Vespasian repurposed the site of Nero’s Domus Aurea to build a new arena where the public could enjoy gladiator contests and animal hunts.
The Colosseum required immense quantities of materials and labour for its construction. Following the Jewish War, Vespasian obtained over 1,000 enslaved people and the necessary funds to undertake the building project. Construction began in AD 71–72. He chose the area between three of Rome’s hills—the Caelian Hill, the Esquiline Hill, and the Palatine Hill—as the ideal location.
When Emperor Vespasian died, the helm of state passed to his son Titus (Latin: Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus)
Titus completed the Colosseum’s construction and gave it the official name—the Flavian Amphitheatre. The structure could accommodate between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, with an average capacity of around 65,000 visitors.
Early Ages
The Colosseum quickly became a major attraction. Titus, his brother Domitian (Latin: Titus Flavius Domitianus), and subsequent Roman emperors continued to maintain and enhance the structure. By the 3rd century AD, the amphitheatre had suffered severe damage due to a major fire, but Emperor Alexander Severus (Latin: Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexandrus) undertook its restoration.
In the 5th century AD, Rome abandoned its pantheon of pagan gods and embraced Christianity. Emperor Honorius (Latin: Flavius Honorius Augustus) promptly banned gladiatorial games, as they were deemed inconsistent with Christian principles. However, the Colosseum retained its role as an entertainment venue, hosting only animal hunts. Later in the 5th century, Italy came under the control of the Visigoths, which contributed to the gradual decline and ruin of the Flavian Amphitheatre.
Middle Ages
By the end of the 6th century, a small shrine was constructed within the Colosseum. The arena was repurposed as a cemetery, and the niches and arches of the amphitheatre were used as trade shops and workshops. In the year 1200, the aristocratic Frangipani family acquired full ownership of the building and began fortifying it.
In the mid-14th century, an earthquake struck Rome and caused the collapse of the outer south wall of the Colosseum
Modern Age
From the 16th century onwards, the Church exerted significant influence over the Colosseum. Pope Sixtus V proposed the establishment of a wool processing plant on the ancient site. In the 17th century, the amphitheatre was briefly used for a new form of entertainment – bullfighting.
In the mid-18th century, Pope Benedict XIV proclaimed the Colosseum a sacred site of the Catholic Church, recognising it as an early Christian shrine.
Thereafter, the Papacy made several efforts to preserve this historical monument. Throughout the 19th century, extensive excavations were carried out in the amphitheatre’s arena, alongside restoration work to reinforce its crumbling façade. The Colosseum acquired its current appearance during the rule of Benito Mussolini, known as Il Duce (“the leader”).
Nowadays
Today, the Colosseum stands as one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Thousands of tourists visit the ancient amphitheatre and its surroundings each day, with average annual visitor numbers reaching several million.
Structure of the Colosseum
The external view of the Colosseum was inspired by the theatre. It is an ellipse-shaped construction with dimensions of 189 metres (620 ft) long, 156 metres (512 ft) wide, and a base area of 24 thousand square metres (6 acres).
Earlier, the outer wall height reached 48–50 metres (157–164 ft), while the perimeter was 545 metres (1788 ft). The arena has an oval shape with a width of 55 metres (180 ft) and 87 metres (285 ft). From the audience, it was enclosed with a five-metre (16 ft) wall.
External view
The outer wall construction required about 100 thousand cubic metres (3,531,467 cubic ft) of travertine. Stones laid without cement were bound with metal piles with a total weight of 300 tonnes. Unfortunately, the past centuries and a strong earthquake deprived the Colosseum of its former lustre.
As a result, only the northern segment of the original construction has survived. The rest was used for building materials by the medieval inhabitants of Rome. Only in the 19th century did the city authorities decide to restore the historical site.
The undamaged part of the Colosseum consists of 3 tiers of arches set on each other.
Interior view
The architects of antiquity faced a difficult task: they had to provide easy access to the massive stands of the amphitheatre. For this purpose, they built 80 entrances on the underground floor of the construction. Moreover, 76 were intended for the “mere mortals”, while the remaining four were for Augustus’ people. The main northern exit was reserved for the emperor and his entourage. Four “elite” entrances were decorated with artificial marble and favourably compared with ordinary portals.
To visit the amphitheatre, the ancient audience bought tickets on which the row and seat numbers were engraved. Visitors could get to the seat via vomitoria – passages below the stands. Also, vomitoria ensured the emergency evacuation of spectators from the Colosseum.
According to historical records of the 4th century AD, the amphitheatre accommodated up to 87,000 spectators.
Arena
The base of the arena was a thick wooden platform (“harena” in Latin) 83 x 43 metres (272 x 141 ft), generously covered with sand, which is hidden deep underground and known as the “hypogeum.” By modern times, the original Roman arena has scarcely survived. It consists of two-level tunnels and cages located beneath the arena. Moreover, this is where gladiators and wild animals waited before combat.
80 vertical lift platforms ensured the delivery of animals, including elephants, to the arena of the Colosseum
Such complex mechanisms required constant maintenance and upgrades. A network of underground tunnels connected the hypogeum to various points of the amphitheatre and even extended beyond it. There was also a dedicated tunnel for the emperor and the Vestal Virgins.
Many different types of mechanisms were located underground. For example, early versions of lifts and structures that opened cages holding dangerous predators. Also, scientists have discovered the remains of an ancient hydraulic system, which allowed the entire arena to be raised or lowered quickly.
Interesting Facts about the Colosseum
The Roman Colosseum, an emblem of ancient grandeur, holds numerous fascinating secrets within its time-worn walls. As you prepare for your visit, discover these captivating facts about this iconic structure. They’ll enrich your experience and make for compelling conversation, leaving your friends marvelling at your depth of knowledge.
- The Colosseum, built in 80 A.D., was a testament to Roman engineering prowess. It was the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire and remains the largest in the world, with an estimated seating capacity of over 50,000 spectators. But it’s not just its size that impresses— the Colosseum featured a complex system of underground passages known as the Hypogeum. Constructed under Emperor Domitian in 81–96 A.D., this network comprised two-level subterranean galleries that housed gladiators, workers, wild animals, and machinery. They could be flooded to reenact naval battles, a spectacle known as “naumachiae.”
- The Colosseum was unique in incorporating all three Greek orders of architecture: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Each of the three storeys of the outer wall exhibits a different order. The ground floor is adorned with half-columns in the sturdy Doric style, the second floor in the more refined Ionic, and the third floor in the ornate Corinthian. Above these were Corinthian pilasters and small square windows in the attic storey, along with brackets carrying the masts that held the velarium (a canvas-covered, net-like structure made of ropes with a hole in the centre), which provided shade for spectators.
- The Colosseum was a site for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, and dramas based on Classical mythology. For instance, during the inaugural games of the Colosseum held by Titus in 80 A.D., it is said that over 9,000 wild animals were killed. On other occasions, the central area was flooded with water to hold mock naval battles, often involving thousands of participants and requiring intricate choreography and planning.
- The Colosseum was constructed from a diverse range of materials, demonstrating the extensive reach of the Roman Empire. The exterior was made from travertine limestone quarried at Tivoli, about 20 miles east of Rome. Inside, tufa (a type of rock made of volcanic ash) and bricks were used, with concrete added for the upper levels. Even mortar was a Roman innovation known as “pozzolana”. It utilised volcanic ash, creating a solid bond that is still studied by engineers and architects today.
- In a striking evolution of its symbolism, Pope Benedict XIV, in the 18th century, consecrated the Colosseum as a sacred site where early Christians had been martyred by the Romans, despite a lack of historical evidence supporting this. This marked a turning point in the building’s history, helping to save it from further neglect and degradation. Even today, the Pope leads the “Via Crucis” (Way of the Cross) procession to the amphitheatre on Good Friday, transforming this once arena of death into a symbol of Christian resurrection and redemption.
Colosseum in Art and Cinema
The interior of the Colosseum has suffered significant damage over time. Nevertheless, it remains the preferred setting for celebrity performances. These have included Ray Charles in May 2002, Sir Paul McCartney in May 2003, Sir Elton John in September 2005, and Billy Joel in July 2006.
The image of the Colosseum has been featured in art across various media: literature, cinema, video games, and music. Some of the most notable examples include:
- Age of Empires
- Civilization
- Assassin’s Creed
- “Roman Holiday”, 1953
- “Gladiator”, 2000
- Bob Dylan – “When I Paint My Masterpiece”
Read also about How many Colosseums are there in Rome
Best Hotels near Colosseum
Please read the complete list of hotels and our tips in an article about the best hotels near the Roman Colosseum. Below are my 4 favourite hotels:
- Hotel Palazzo Manfredi – Relais & Châteaux – one of the best 5-star hotels in Rome, offering views of the Colosseum from its rooftop and some rooms.
- Amazing Colosseo – luxury apartment situated right in front of the Colosseum. An ideal choice for groups of up to ten travellers.
- Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo – one of the best 4-star hotels in Rome. Key features include a terrace with views of Rome and the Flavian Amphitheatre, along with a rooftop swimming pool.
- B&B Colosseo Panoramic Rooms – comfortable apartments near the Colosseum. Ideal for romantic couples wishing to stay in the heart of the Eternal City.
The Colosseum is one of the most significant landmarks of the Eternal City. Yet, without doubt, the theatre is also well worth visiting for its rich history and colossal scale.
