The Colosseum or Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre (Latin: Amphitheatrum Flavium; Italian:Anfiteatro Flavio or Colosseo) is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. Built of concrete and stone, it was the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire, and is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. It is the largest amphitheatre in the world.
The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in 70 AD, and was completed in 80 AD under his successor and heir Titus. Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian (81–96).
The Colosseum could hold, it is estimated, between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, and was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles 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.
Although in the 21st century it stays partially ruined because of damage caused by devastating earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. It is one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions and has close connections with the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit "Way of the Cross" procession that starts in the area around the Colosseum.
In 2007 the complex was included among the New 7 Wonders of the World, following a competition organized by New Open World Corporation (NOWC).
The Colosseum today is now a major tourist attraction in Rome with thousands of tourists each year paying to view the interior arena. 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. Beneath the Colosseum, a network of subterranean passageways once used to transport wild animals and gladiators to the arena opened to the public in summer 2010.Entrance is free for EU citizens under eighteen or over sixty-five years of age
ROMANO and PALATINO valid 2 days:
ADULTS € 12,00
REDUCED FEE € 7,50 for European Union members between 18 and 24 years old
Buy the Roma pass, a three-day integrated ticket valid for the most important museums and archaeological sites of the city, which can also be used for traveling on the transport network.
Best Time to visit Colosseum:
Best time to visit Colosseum is from April to June, September to October and December on Christmas.
Transportation System:
Take public transportation to the Colosseum. Use the Metro B line and exit at station Colosseo. For the Metro A line, stop at the Manzoni station, then get on a south-bound tram for two stops. If you are riding a bus, use lines 60, 75, 85, 87,175, 810, 850 or the electric minibus 117. Trams numbered 3 and 8 stop near the Colosseum.
Where to Stay: Hotels near Colosseum
Hotel SolisHotel Fori Imperiali Cavalieri
Hotel Royal House
Opera
Hotel Labelle
For More Hotels List Click Here
Colosseum Image Gallery
