Visit Colosseum Rome, an Ancient World Wonder
COLOSSEUM!!! Colosseum Rome is the biggest amphitheater of Roman empire that lasted for 500 years from 27BC.
My head was spinning, when I was inside the arena. I always thought the word ‘huge’ has limits, but this hugeness surpassed that imagination of mine. The walls crumbling all around and the shocking contrast was that, new paths in the base of arena were being discovered by the archeologists.
Why visit Colosseum
A visit to Colosseum takes you back in time to discover the way of life in the Roman Empire. I stood there closing my eyes for a while to imagine how the Colosseum was once used for gladiatorial contests. These were no ordinary contests but gruesome ones that took on many forms; from animal hunts, to group battles to one-on-one competitions. The arena witnessed public executions.
If you close your eyes and focus a little longer you can hear the sounds of cheering and cries of defeat, the grunts and groans of humans and animals.
Close your eyes and meditate a little longer, you can feel the spirits of people who lost their lives here… ha ha… just joking!!! Open your eyes to appreciate what is real and standing.
Besides history, one can appreciate the architecture of this colossal Colosseum. What stands today is mere one third of what existed once! Touch the arches and stones to connect back to times 2000 years back!
The Roman Colosseum is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is inscribed in the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites.
Colosseum Seating Arrangement
The seating arrangement in the amphitheater was for 60,000 spectators. They made innumerable exits/entrances for the spectators. I wondered what it would have looked like in it’s hey days; difficult to imagine.
Seating clearly indicated a tiered arrangement that reflected the various strata of Roman society. North and South ends had special boxes for the Emperor and the Vestal Virgins (priestesses) providing the best views of the arena.
At the same level there was a broad platform for the senatorial class. It is believed they were allowed to bring their own chairs. Names of some 5th century senators can still be seen carved into the stonework, probably a way of reserving areas for their use.
Walk through arena of Colosseum Rome
Colosseum, the Amphitheatre
Dimensions of the arena were 83m by 48m. It had a wooden floor covered by sand where most of the action took place. This covered an elaborate underground structure called the hypogeum which is still being explored.
The top wooden floor has given away and the underground tunnels lay exposed. This was where gladiators and animals were held before contests began. Exciting! Isn’t it!
There are separate tunnels for the Emperor, spectators, animals and performers. Archaeologists have stumbled on evidences of use of mechanism, like elevators and pulleys to lift caged animals to the arena.
The grey-black exteriors, the worn down and broken pillars and arches, I looked on with wonder at these parts that survived earthquakes, war, theft and neglect. And can you believe that is only a third of the original Colosseum!
They stand mutely yet speak volumes of the glory of the mighty Roman Empire. The physics that went in to the construction of this great center for entertainment is definitely a model for modern sports complexes.
From the first and second floors of the public spectator area we got excellent views of the structure. Three hours passed off in minutes.
Colosseum underground structure called the hypogeum
I took many pictures, presenting a short photo essay here which I feel will describe the arena from main view points.
You can also see other monuments here:
Temple of Antoninus and Faustina in Roman Forum
Temple of Castor and Pollux in Roman Forum
Colosseum Tourism Info
Opening Hours:
The Colosseum opens on all days at 9 in the morning. However the closing time varies from month to month.
During peak of winters (last Sunday in Oct. to 15th Feb.) it shuts off at 16.30 hours.
The lengthiest opening period is from the last Sunday in Mar until 31 Aug.
The Underground and the Arena of the Colosseum are open every day.
Colosseum is closed to public on 1st Jan, 1st May and 25th Dec.
Tour time: It definitely takes more than 2 hours to have a good tour of Colosseum. You wouldn’t want to rush out of this great monument.
Colosseum Rome Tickets
There are different Colosseum ticket types available, depending on what you would like to see, and regarding that, different prices apply. Online ticket purchase to visit Colosseum Rome is possible; you can skip the queue then.
Full price for tickets to Colosseum for adults is 12 Euros. It is free entry for all under 18 years. Best part is ticket is valid for 2 consecutive days and it allows entry to Roman Forum/Palatine Hill.
The Colosseum’s VIP areas (the Underground Level and the Arena floor) require a Full-Experience ticket.
Entrance to the Colosseum is free on the first Sunday of the month, on the 2nd June (Republic Day) and the 4th November. On these days, tickets can only be acquired at the Colosseum ticket office, on a first come first served basis.
Caution:
- Colosseum Rome Tickets once purchased for a particular day cannot be rescheduled to another date or reimbursed.
- Plan the visit well as the last entrance closes one hour before the shut off time.
- There is limitation to number of people entering. The Colosseum can accommodate up to 3,000 people at the same time.
Roma Pass helps access to Colosseum, Palatine Hills, Roman Forum and many other sites of Rome. It also enables you to access free transportation. I availed this during my visit to Rome. We dedicated the entire day visiting these adjacent sites of Colosseum.
You can do a self guided tour of Colosseum and the nearby sights. We did that at our own pace.
Night Tour, Colosseum Underground Tickets
There are special guided tours to visit Colosseum underground, the floor of the arena and first order of seats. Check for availability of tickets as these are limited and get sold out fast. The only way you can visit the Colosseum at night is with a tour guide. You don’t have to deal with the daytime crowds then.
Colosseum looks magical at night. When the sun sets, the amphitheater is beautifully illuminated and lit up from within. Tourists are lesser in numbers at night time compared to daytime. Chances for a more intimate and immersive experience get better. You can explore the ancient amphitheater at your own pace and appreciate its magnificence without feeling rushed.
The Colosseum underground tour takes you through the reconstructions and the original ruins of the underground level. The gladiators and animals were once kept here before they were hoisted onto the arena floor for the actual game.
Best time to visit Colosseum
- Visit the Colosseum would be between November to February for smaller crowds and pleasant weather.
- Visit during early hours of day or just before closing.
- Plan your visit during the weekdays to avoid huge crowds of tourists.
Any dress code for Colosseum?
There is no specific dress code for entering Colosseum. But do wear comfortable shoes as there is lot of walking. During summers do pamper yourself with sunscreen lotions. Large bags such as backpacks and suitcases are strictly prohibited from the Colosseum.
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Very well captured Indrani Wow!!
I saw it also real
its not easy to make shots there
but you did it …………… LOL
Hugs
Kareltje =^.^= Betsie >^.^<
Anya ♥
Simply brilliant! This is on my to visit list. Your pictures are fabulous. I can hear the roar in the stands by just looking at the photograph.
no matter what angle it may be,
Colosseum is by far, the most stupendous structure. ^0^
thanks for taking us there.
wow!!!….a brilliant structure….i just visited temple of isis – philae in blogtrotter's blog and now this in yours!!!
im truely amazed by man's ingenuity and imagination!!
Very impressive indeed – so is the center stage a underground place with a false roofing that is now removed?
I heard they had stables under the arena. Amazing for a structure planned in ancient times. What methods did they use for their architectural planning?
Wonderful views of the Colosseum! Thanks for sharing, Indrani!
Amazing pics! Really worth enlarging. Wish I could visit there!
Gina
Wonderful post!!!
🙂
What a fabulous structure this is/was. Fascinating shots, Indrani!
If walls could speak…I always think of the gladiators fighting their last battle or the Christians who had to face the lions. Did you see the movie "Spartacus?" The Colosseum is very impressive! Your photos shows the enormous capacity it had to accomodate so many people.Great post, Indrani!
Brilliant captures, brings the place alive…..but memories of the gory games played there once ,left a bad taste in the mouth, no ?….did you get photographed with dressed up "gladiators ?" 🙂
You show it as we have never seen it before. Bravo!
Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
><}}(°>
Great pics! You really captured it well! Amazing structure!!
Hugs
SueAnn
Great pictures! I was there many years ago. Fingers crossed, I hope to revisit.
fascinating
the Colosseum is awesome. looking at your pictures bring back fond memories.
Wonderful shots of structure.
Beauiful pics, Indrani! loved the last two especially!
so envious you got to see the inside and take pictures.
Its a dreabe there. can imagine Spartacus and so many heros battling ouut there. GOOD SHOTS
Your photos have brought out the greatness of the place.
Amazing to think that this magnificent structure is still standing today. Wonderful photos!
A fascinating place, Indrani, and lovely photos.
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
I've always marveled at the structure but I never realized that it could hold 60,000 people. You were walking where people have been for two thousand years or more. Amazing.
How wonderful to visit the Colosseum! It's almost hard to believe that such a gigantic structure was built so long ago. Your pictures are great and you did a marvelous job of describing the majesty of the place.
Your words take me straight into the heart of these great pictures.
Wow very fantastic building. The ancient builders were talented and creative in building the coliseum.
It is difficult to describe how it feels to see the Coliseum for the first time. It transported me to a different time like no other historical monument. Power, cruelty and entertainment for the masses. For a second I thought the ghosts of people who watched and fought there were in the ancient halls and walls. Your photos do a good job of showing the magnitude of the structure.
I hope I could step into this historical monument one day..! Thanks for the lovely photos..!
You took some great shots. I like how you showed details as well as full views.
I visited Rome a few times and each time I put my foot on the steps of the colosseum I get chills thinking that Caesar may have walked exactly where I stepped. Great post!
Great shots! THat is a place I have always wanted to visit.
Lovely photos!I've been there once to see it myself.. 🙂
Happy New Year to you, if I haven't wished you earlier..! 🙂
Oh, another place I have wanted so much to visit!! It's magnificence, it's history I find totally fascinating and amazing! I love your photos and your text as together they always give us such a marvelous look into a world not many of us have had or will have the opportunity to visit! Thank you as always, Indrani! Have a lovely week!
Sylvia
Wondrful pictures Indrani
Greetings, Joop