Visiting 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 itself or the underground level, but we remembered too late and there were no available tickets when we booked. In retrospect, it wasn't terrible - we didn't feel like we missed out on much.

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

After nearly 400 years of intensive activity, the Colosseum entered a period of decline, primarily due to the high costs of maintaining the Colosseum and the resources required to operate gladiatorial fights and wild animal shows. During the Middle Ages, the abandoned Colosseum became building material for other structures in the area, including St. Peter's Basilica. Only in the 18th century did Pope Benedict XIV declare the building a "sacred place" and stop further damage.

From the late 1990s until today, restoration and reconstruction projects have been carried out at the site, allowing approximately 6 million visitors per year to learn about this architectural marvel, with its organized entrances, wide staircases, and clear social hierarchy (the emperor and elite in the front rows, and as social status decreased, seating moved to the higher tiers).

The Colosseum is undoubtedly a must-see site. It's an impressive structure that you can't help but be amazed by. Even if you don't enter the special areas, regular admission is enough to understand the greatness of this place and the power of Roman civilization.