One of the most recognisable attractions in Rome, the Colosseum is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built.
Practical details
- Name: The Colosseum
- Address: Colosseum, Piazza del Colosseo 1, 00184 Roma, Italy
- Official website: www.il-colosseo.it/en/informazioni-colosseo
- Opening hours: The Colosseum opens its doors at 9 am, but the last entry depends on the time of the year. From March to September, closing time is around 7 pm, and in the winter months around 3 pm.
Tickets and prices
To enter this enormous historical attraction, you can use a Rome Tourist Card – a popular pass that grants access to several attractions in the city. Prices start at around €116 and with the same card, you can visit the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
You can also use a ‘Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance’ ticket, which offers a basic experience at a cost of around €30.
Another option is a ‘Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Skip The Line + Arena Floor’ ticket, the best choice if you want to have a more in-depth experience, as it grants access to the arena floor. This is a more expensive option and comes around to €48. With either of the last two, you’ll be able to skip the entry lines. All are available via the official Colosseum website.
Dress code
There is no specific dress code for visiting this attraction.
Why should I visit?
You might think that you can take the Colosseum in from the outside, but with a tour guide, you’ll have a whole other experience. Inside you will see the Gate of Death where thousands fought to the death, climb to the Emperor’s box, which was fit for a king, and make your grand entrance from the Gladiator’s Gate. Outside the Colosseum is beautiful, but from the inside you get to time travel.
How to get to The Colosseum
Metro
The metro is the fastest and most convenient way to reach this attraction. Simply take the Line B metro line and get off at the Colosseo Metro Station.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay nearby, check out hotels near Colosseo.
Background of The Colosseum
What is the Colosseum famous for? Construction began around 70-72 A.D. by order of Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty. In 80 A.D., this attraction – then officially referred to as the Flavian Amphitheater – was opened by Vespasian’s son, Titus.
The Colosseum could seat over 50,000 spectators, who flocked there to watch gladiatorial combats, wild animal fights, and mock naval engagements. It was actively used for four centuries, until the struggles of the Western Roman Empire.
In the centuries to come, it was abandoned and later used as a quarry for building projects, notably the cathedrals of St. John Lateran and St. Peter. After years of falling into disrepair, restoration began in the 1990s.
Who should visit The Colosseum?
The Colosseum is perfect for history lovers, families with young children, religious believers, and architectural enthusiasts. This is because it boasts a deep history, serves as an educational centre, is a place of pilgrimage, and features marvellous architectural design.
Should I book in advance?
If you want to make sure you can visit on your chosen date, It is highly recommended to book in advance. Furthermore, if you book your ticket in advance, you can skip the lines and sign up for a guided tour if you wish to.
Note it is possible to visit without booking, but you will need to wait — and queues can be lengthy.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is early in the day – before large crowds gather. While the best days are during the week – given that weekday experience fewer people traffic than weekends.
However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more money, a nighttime tour is the most interesting way to check out this historical site. The low season starts in November and runs until March, except for the days around Christmas and New Year.
Is it accessible?
The Colosseum is accessible to all its patrons. Its main entrance has no stairs, the inside is predominantly flat – save for a couple of areas because of the old cobblestones, and it features an elevator that takes guests to the upper floor. However, it is not possible to see the underground and top level in a wheelchair.
Top tip for a first-time visitor
Currently, tickets can only be bought online. Once bought, they’re sent via email and are valid for 24 hours after activation. You can choose your 30-minute time slot from 9 am to 3 pm. Your time slot can be delayed by 30 minutes. However, if you arrive 15 minutes after this final time slot closes, you’ll have to purchase another ticket.8
Disclaimer: prices and information are correct as of 14.06.2023 and may vary with time.
