Colosseum tours - discover amphitheatre of ancient Rome

Where is the Colosseum?

The famous amphitheatre stands in the very centre of Rome, at Piazza del Colosseo, right next to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. This is the heart of the ancient city, which is why visiting the Colosseum is often combined with a visit to these two sites.

How to get to the Colosseum?

The easiest way is by metro, as Colosseum station, served by line B, is located right next to the amphitheatre. As soon as you leave the metro, you can see the Colosseum almost immediately, making it one of the simplest routes for tourists.

You can also walk from the area around Piazza Venezia. The walk usually takes several minutes, and along the way you pass through one of Rome’s historic areas. It is a good option if you want to experience the city's atmosphere without limiting yourself to just the main sightseeing points.

If you have time, see the Colosseum twice: during the day and in the evening. In daylight, the architectural details are easiest to notice, while after dark, the illuminated amphitheatre looks especially atmospheric.

Colosseum - history of the amphitheatre

The history of the Colosseum dates back to the 1st century AD, during the reign of the Flavian dynasty. Construction began under Emperor Vespasian around 70-72 AD, and the ceremonial opening took place in 80 AD under his son, Emperor Titus.

The location of the construction also mattered. The Colosseum was built on land that had previously belonged to Nero’s vast residence, known as the Domus Aurea. After the death of Emperor Nero, this space was symbolically returned to the people of Rome. Building a great amphitheatre there was therefore not only an architectural investment, but also a political gesture: the Flavians wanted to show that they were creating a place for the people.

In its heyday, the Colosseum could hold tens of thousands of spectators. Gladiator fights, hunts with wild animals, battle reenactments, executions, and large public spectacles took place here. For the people of Rome, it was entertainment; for the emperors, it was also a way to build popularity and demonstrate the empire's power.

Over time, the Colosseum's function began to change. After the fall of the empire, the building was used as a shelter, a workplace, and even a source of building materials. Some stone was removed and reused in other buildings in Rome. Earthquakes also contributed to the damage. Despite this, the amphitheatre survived and remains one of the most important monuments of the ancient world.

What to see inside the Colosseum?

Visiting the Colosseum from the inside helps you better understand how vast and carefully designed this structure was. From the outside, the arches, stone levels and monumental scale are impressive. Inside, you begin to notice much more: the layout of the stands, the arena, the underground spaces and the entire organisation behind the spectacles.

The most important place is, of course, the Colosseum arena. This is where gladiator fights and other performances watched by the crowds took place. Today’s arena does not look exactly as it did in antiquity, as its wooden floor has not survived in its original form. Thanks to this, however, you can see part of the underground corridors that once lay beneath the arena floor.

The underground area, known as the hypogeum, is one of the most fascinating parts of the Colosseum. It contained passageways, technical rooms, animal cages, backstage areas for gladiators, and mechanisms used during the shows. This was where animals, decorations, and performers could be brought into the arena.

It is also worth paying attention to the stands. In ancient Rome, seats were not assigned randomly. The most significant citizens and members of the elite sat closest to the arena, while the higher sections were reserved for people of lower social status. The Colosseum was therefore not only a place of entertainment, but also a reflection of Roman hierarchy.

From the upper levels, you can see not only the interior of the amphitheatre, but also the area around the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, making it easier to imagine what the centre of Rome looked like during the imperial period.

Rome is not only the Colosseum - it is also the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, catacombs, museums, and day trips outside the city. Choose excursions in Rome and plan your sightseeing without stress.

What to know about Colosseum?

• The Colosseum is located next to other major monuments of ancient Rome. That is why it is worth combining a visit to the amphitheatre with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Together, they tell a much fuller story of ancient Rome.
• The Colosseum was built in a surprisingly short time. The construction of such an enormous amphitheatre took only 8-10 years, an impressive engineering achievement for the ancient world.
• Even staged naval battles were organised in the Colosseum. At the start of its use, the arena was flooded to recreate spectacular ship-to-ship clashes.
• The amphitheatre had a system for quickly evacuating spectators. Thanks to an extensive network of corridors and exits, crowds could leave the Colosseum in a very short time, a modern solution for the period.
• The holes visible in the walls of the Colosseum are not the result of shelling. They were created mainly because, in the Middle Ages, metal elements connecting the stones were removed from the structure and later reused in other buildings.

Colosseum - tickets and other practical information

A basic ticket usually includes the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which is very convenient because these three places are close to each other and are best visited together. You can also choose extended tickets, for example, with access to the Colosseum arena or the underground areas.

Here’s what you need to know about the Colosseum:

1. Book your tickets in advance. The Colosseum is very popular, and entry is limited to specific time slots. In high season, it is better not to leave purchasing until the last minute.
2. Check the ticket type before buying. A standard ticket is enough if you want to see the main parts of the amphitheatre. If you are interested in the Colosseum arena or the underground areas, pick the appropriate extended option.
3. Combine the Colosseum with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. This is the most practical solution, as these places form one sightseeing route. It is worth setting aside a few hours for the whole visit, not just a short stop at the amphitheatre itself.
4. In summer, bring water and a hat. There is a lot of open space around the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, and shade can be limited. On hot days, sightseeing in the midday sun can be tiring.
5. Arrive earlier than your entry time. You need to go through security before entering. In high season, queues and crowds can lengthen the process.
6. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon. In the morning, it is usually more pleasant and easier to avoid the strongest heat. Later in the afternoon, the light is better for photos.
7. Watch out for unofficial sellers in the area. Around popular attractions, people often offer tickets or tours on the spot. It is safest to use trusted sources and book in advance.

Colosseum tours

An excursion of the Colosseum is a great choice if you want to see the most important places of ancient Rome on one well-planned route.

The programme includes:

• the Colosseum, the famous amphitheatre;
• Palatine Hill, associated with the city's origins;
• Roman Forum, which for centuries was the centre of Rome’s political and social life.

During the tour, the guide will explain what life in the ancient city looked like. It is a practical choice for people who want to learn more without having to organise the trip themselves.