Colosseum

Address

Piazza del Colosseo Rome

GPS

41.89023355, 12.491163946472

Address

Piazza del Colosseo Rome

GPS

41.89023355, 12.491163946472

Known originally as the Flavian Amphitheatre, Colosseum is the most famous Roman landmark and it owes its name to the giant statue of the emperor Nero that once stood near this amphitheater. The amphitheater was capable of seating up to 87,000 people during the height of its popularity.

Quick facts

  • Name: Colosseum
  • Location: Rome, Italy
  • Built 1st century AD
  • Type of attraction: Architectural/Amphitheater
  • Ticket price: 7-12 Euro ($9-$15), free for kids under 18

Even today, Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world and it has been declared as one of the worlds modern seven wonders. It is a must see when visiting Rome and it is great experience to see and hear many great stories about its history and have some spectacular photographs taken for your holiday collection!

Colosseum Under the Moon, Night Tour of Colosseum

The Colosseum represents Rome more than anything else. It’s a massive building that, after over two millennia, will transport you back in time to learn about life in the Roman Empire.

The Colosseum was built between 72 and 80 CE, beginning under Vespasian’s reign and concluding with Titus’s. The Colosseum’s final dimensions—188 metres in length, 156 metres in width, and 57 metres in height—made it the largest Roman amphitheatre.

The Roman Colosseum (back then called Flavian Amphitheatre) hosted over 50,000 people during the height of the Roman Empire, when “Bread and Circuses” was the official motto of the Roman Empire. For years, Roman citizens were entertained by gladiator bouts, reenactments of ancient battles, displays of exotic animals, and executions of convicts.

For more than 500 years, the Colosseum entertained audiences. In the sixth century, humanity had its final games.

The Colosseum has been damaged by wartime bombings and lootings in addition to earthquakes and lootings in the sixth century. For decades, the Colosseum served as a storage facility, church, cemetery, and even a palace for the elite, proving its resilience.

The Colosseum and the Vatican City are Rome’s two biggest draws right now. There are 6 million annual visitors. The Colosseum was officially named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World on July 7, 2007.

Interesting facts about Colosseum

Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Small Group Tour

Here are some interesting facts about this amazing historic landmark:

  • Because of the massive “The Colossus of Nero” statue that stood at the entrance of the Domus Aurea, the name “Flavian Amphitheatre” was changed to “The Colosseum.” After the Great Fire of Rome, Nero had the Domus Aurea constructed as a grand residence.
  • More than 2,000 gladiators lost their lives during the 100 days of games that marked the Colosseum’s official opening under Emperor Titus.
  • The crowd at the Colosseum was shielded from the sun by a canvas roof. Underneath the arena was where all the cages and machinery were kept.
  • It has been speculated that naval war reenactments took place in the Colosseum by filling it with water, although no definitive evidence has been found as of yet.
  • The Pope always takes charge of the annual Good Friday Way of the Cross procession through the Colosseum. The early Christians who were martyred here are commemorated today. This site has a long history of Christian significance.
  • When it was used for gladiator events, Colosseum could host up to 87,000 people.
  • More than 4 million tourists visit Colosseum each year.
  • Some of the Colosseum parts were used to build the St Peter’s Basilica.

Read more: Interesting facts about Colosseum

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