The Colosseum or Roman Coliseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an elliptical amphitheatre in the center of the city of Rome, Italy, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering.
The construction of the Colosseum started between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Titus, with further modifications being made during Domitian’s reign (81–96).
Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. As well as the gladiatorial games, other public spectacles were held there, such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.
The Colosseum today is now a major tourist attraction in Rome with thousands of tourists each year paying to view the interior arena, though entrance for EU citizens is partially subsidised, and under-18 and over-65 EU citizens’ entrances are free. There is now a museum dedicated to Eros located in the upper floor of the outer wall of the building. Part of the arena floor has been re-floored.
Two elevators have been installed to allow visitors to reach the second tier without having to climb steps 10 inches high. The Colosseum is now surrounded by Rome’s largest traffic circle, around which thousands of cars use daily. You can explore on your own or rent an audio guide for 4€ ($6.40).
The Colosseum is open every day of the year, excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and opens at 08.30 AM; closing times are as follows:
Last Sunday of March to end August, 07.15 PM
September, 07.00 PM
October, 06.30 PM
November to February 15th, 04.30 PM
February 16th to March 15th, 05.00 PM
March 16th to last Saturday of March, 05.30 PM
Please note that this ticket also includes admission to the Palatine Hill and museum, and that admission to the Roman Forum is currently free.
