Colosseo, A Monumental Legacy of Antiquity

Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Rome

The circular arena can be called Rome's deadly arena

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Introduction

The Colosseum is one of the most famous buildings of ancient Rome and the largest circular amphitheater of the empire. Built between 72 AD and 82 AD on the site of Nero's Golden House, it could accommodate up to 50,000 people. The Colosseum was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian and completed under his son Titus, with later renovations by Domitian. It served as a venue for animal hunts and gladiator games until 523 AD. According to Cassius Dio, the opening ceremonies lasted 100 days and 11,000 animals were killed. Earthquakes in 442 AD and 508 AD caused severe damage to the structure, and it was further destroyed during the Middle Ages and used as a fortress. In the 15th century, the Vatican began protecting the Colosseum as a holy site due to early Christian martyrs who were said to have been killed there. The design of the Colosseum was based on Greek theaters, but with the addition of arches, spectators' seats were built on top to form a circular amphitheater. There were also canopies suspended by cables to shade spectators and aid ventilation. Under the arena were various tunnels and chambers for storing props, animals, and gladiators, which could be lifted onto the stage during performances. The Colosseum even had a water channel to create a lake for naval battles.

Address

Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Rome

Opening hours

January 2 to February 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
February 16 to March 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
March 16 to the last Saturday in March from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
last Sunday in March to August 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
September 1 to September 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
October 1 to the last Saturday in October from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
last Sunday in October to December 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The ticket office closes one hour before closing. (Closed on Good Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., June 2 from 1:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., January 1 and December 25.)

Transportation

Take Metro Line B and get off at Colosseo station; buses 60, 75, 85, 87, 117, 271, 571, 175, 186, 810, 850, C3 also stop at Colosseo station.

Phone +39-06-3996-7700

Website http://www.coopculture.it/en/colosseo-e-shop.cfm