Colosseum, or the Flavian amphitheater, was a site for gladiatorial battles and is now one of the most impressive monuments in Rome.

Everything About the Roman Colosseum!

Roman Emperor Vespasian ordered the building of the Colosseum in 72 A.D.

It was built at Piazza del Colosseo and took almost 8 years to complete.

Since then, it used to host gladiator battles and grand spectacles amidst packed crowds.

However, it transformed from an entertainment hub to a UNESCO World Heritage Site by 1980.

The Colosseum welcomes around 7.6 million visitors yearly, and large crowds can make your visit overwhelming.

Don’t Worry! We will discuss the Colosseum’s opening hours, what to expect there, how to reach there, the best tickets, and more so that your visit becomes comfortable.

Colosseum in a Snapshot

What to Expect?

When you get to Piazza del Colosseo, the first sight of the Colosseum will take you back in the past.

At its entrance is the Flavian Amphitheater Plaque, which reminds us of the emperors who built this phenomenon 2000 years ago.

You will walk across its outer ring and enter the Gate of Death.

This gate was the exit for the gladiators and animals who died during the battles.

Then comes our highlight: the arena floor.

At this place, it feels as if we are going back in time to see all that action in front of our own eyes.

You can imagine the roaring crowds, the screaming gladiators, and the striking between swords.

Beneath is the Underground Hypogeum, which is a mesh of underground tunnels.

Herein, animals and gladiators used to wait for their turn to enter the arena floor.

If you want a better view, you can climb to the Terrazza Belvedere.

From there, you will have beautiful views of the Colosseum and beyond.

When you go outside, you will see the Arch of Constantine.

This arch is 21 meters long and celebrates Emperor Constantine’s victory.

From there, by taking Via Sacra, you can reach the Roman Forum.

You can explore places like the Temple of Julius Caesar, the Temple of Saturn, and the nearby Mamertime prison.

Finally, a gentle climb will take you to the Palatine Hills.

This place was once home to the Roman Kings.

You can explore the ruins of the Flavian Palace, the House of Augustus, the House of Livia, and the Temple of Apollo here.

The temple’s balcony also offers breathtaking views of the Circus Maximus and the surrounding city.

At Palatine Hill’s base is the Arc of Titus, which is over 15 meters tall and was built to honor Emperor Titus.

Embarking on this tour will make you realize that the Colosseum is not a tour but a walk in the footsteps of Roman history.

Opening Hours

The Colosseum opens at 8.30 am every day with varying closing times throughout the year.

This table demonstrates its closing times for different months.

The last entry is always one hour before closing time.

The Roman Colosseum stays closed on May 1st, December 25th, and January 1st.

Colosseum Guided Tour

For an in-depth understanding of the Colosseum and its attractions, consider taking a guided tour.

This bestselling ticket will let you explore the arena floor, underground, second tier, and more for €178 ($192).

Your guide will accompany you throughout the tour and educate you about various places.

This activity lasts for 3 hours and cannot be refunded.

Inclusions:

• Entrance to the Roman Forum
• Entry to the Palatine Hills
• Access to the Colosseum’s Underground
• Entry to the arena floor, ground floor, and the 1st floor of the Colosseum
• Knowledgeable tour guide

Ticket Price:

Adult Ticket (18+ years): €178 ($192)

Child Ticket (2 to 17 years): €151 ($163)

Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free Entry

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How to Get to the Colosseum?

The Colosseum is easily accessible via several transport options.

Let’s discuss them one at a time:

By Bus:.

Take any of the 75, 81, 105, 204, 673, 714, or 792 buses and alight at the Piazza del Colosseo stop.

It will typically take between 28 and 30 minutes when you are coming from central Rome.

By Metro:

Get on Line B (blue line) from the Roma Termini station and step off at the Colosseo station.

It will cost €1.50, and you will be there in 2 to 3 minutes.

By Walk

You can also walk your way to the Roman Colosseum.

A 15-minute walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali will take you to the Colosseum if you are coming from Piazza Venezia or the city center.

By Taxi:

If you are carrying a lot of luggage, you should consider hiring a taxi.

They can be slightly expensive but are the most comfortable option to reach anywhere.

For this, you can visit one of the several taxi stands in the city or use apps such as FreeNow and itTaxi.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Colosseum differs according to your preferences.

Plan your visit in the early morning (8.30 am) as soon as the Colosseum opens or in the late afternoon (after 3 pm) on weekdays.

Peak summer and weekends must be avoided because of the hot weather and large crowds.

How Long Does it Take

After purchasing online tickets, a quick tour of the Colosseum can be completed within 1 to 2 hours.

Remember that offline tickets are usually sold out, and there will be long lines if you choose to purchase them from the on-site office.

Therefore, spare somewhere between 30 minutes and 1 hour for the ticket lines if you haven’t purchased tickets in advance.

Similarly, if you visit the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hills, allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours.

Therefore, a thorough exploration will take around 3 to 4 hours.

Top Tips for Visiting Colosseum in Rome

Remember these insider tips on your Colosseum visit and thank us later:

• Plan to arrive early in the morning as soon as the Colosseum opens to avoid long crowds
• Offline tickets are typically sold out for the Colosseum, and online tickets will help in avoiding last-minute disappointments
• It can be tiring to explore so many attractions; remember to hydrate yourself and take breaks
• Large bags, metal objects, and pointed objects should not be brought inside the Colosseum
• The Colosseum’s stone paths will be difficult to walk around, and therefore, it is recommended to avoid flip-flops and choose sturdy footwear
• Although a quick tour is possible within 1.5 to 2 hours, 3 to 4 hours will be needed for a thorough exploration
• The Roman Forum and the Palatine Hills are the highlights of the tour and impart deep cultural insights to your visit

People Also Ask…

What is the Colosseum famous for?

When the Colosseum was built between 72 and 80 AD, it was the largest amphitheater in the world.

Currently, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, welcoming over 7.6 million visitors yearly.

Why is it called a Colosseum?

There was a massive bronze statue of Nero near the Colosseum.

It was called the Colosseo of Nero, and the Colosseum was named after it.

Which emperor built the Colosseum?

Emperor Vespasian ordered its construction in 72 AD, and his son Titus oversaw its completion.

After their death, Emperor Domitian added an underground hypogium to house gladiators and animals.

How many visitors can the Colosseum accommodate?

When the Colosseum was built, it could accommodate 80,000 visitors at a time.

Currently, due to conservation and safety measures, it can only entertain 3,000 visitors at a time.

What did the Colosseum look like in its golden days?

During its glory days, the Colosseum donned a white limestone facade, which was decorated with marble statues and bronze shields.

It was around 157 feet (48 meters) high with 80 entrances.

Can we buy tickets from the on-site office?

Yes, you can buy tickets from the on-site ticket counter at the Colosseum.

However, there are two problems with it: tickets can either sell out completely by the time you reach there, or tickets for your preferred time slot sell out by the time you get there.

Therefore, it is recommended to purchase online tickets to avoid large crowds and last-minute disappointments.

Are Colosseum online tickets refundable?

No, tickets for the Colosseum are non-refundable.

Do we need to bring printouts?

No, your online tickets will be emailed to you upon a successful reservation.

Just show it on your mobile device at the entrance.

How much does the Colosseum guided tour cost?

The Colosseum guided tour, which includes access to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hills, costs €178 ($192) for adults over 18.

Children between 2 and 17 get a discounted price of €151 ($163), whereas infants below 2 can enter freely.

Why should you buy online tickets from Our Travel Tickets?

At Our Travel Tickets, we strive to present the most affordable and customizable tickets for you.

Our tickets are available at discounted rates, and we donate 25 percent of our profits to animal welfare.

Therefore, by purchasing from us, you will get the best tickets and prices while also helping the voiceless with food and shelter.