Visiting the Colosseum

Our visit to the Colosseum in Rome, including the amphitheater's history, ticket advice and practical planning tips.

Our visit to the Colosseum

Visiting the Colosseum, especially during tourist season, requires booking tickets in advance. There are several types of tickets, some of which allow access to the arena floor or the underground level, but we remembered too late and none were available when we booked. In retrospect, it was not a major disappointment.

The symbol of Ancient Rome

The Colosseum is the undisputed symbol of Ancient Rome. The structure stands 48 meters tall, roughly the height of a 15-story building, and was built between 70 and 80 CE by the Flavian emperors Vespasian, Titus and Domitian. Around 50,000 people entered it to watch gladiatorial combat, wild-animal hunts and executions.

From ancient arena to decline

After nearly 400 years of intensive use, the Colosseum entered a period of decline, mainly because of its high maintenance costs and the resources required for gladiatorial fights and wild-animal shows. During the Middle Ages, the abandoned structure became a source of building material for other monuments, including St. Peter's Basilica. In the 18th century, Pope Benedict XIV declared it a sacred place and halted further damage.

Restoration and the visitor experience

Restoration and reconstruction projects have been carried out since the late 1990s. They help millions of annual visitors understand the architectural achievement: its organized entrances, wide staircases and clear social hierarchy, with the emperor and elite seated in front and lower social classes placed progressively higher.

Is it worth going inside?

The Colosseum is unquestionably a must-see. It is an extraordinary structure that is difficult not to admire. Even without access to the special areas, regular admission is enough to appreciate the scale of the site and the power of Roman civilization.