If ancient history is your main passion, then a visit to the Colosseum in Rome will undoubtedly be on your bucket list.
It’s a surprisingly large area to visit, and there is much more to it than the arena itself. Some forward planning will certainly be required to make the most of your visit, including how to avoid the inevitable crowds. The Colosseum is easy to reach by cheap public transport from central Rome, either by the metro, bus or tram.
Tips on Visiting the Colosseum
The first thing you really need to do is to book your tickets in advance; otherwise, you could easily be waiting for at least an hour. And bear in mind that visitors are limited to 3000 per day, so you don’t want to miss out.
It goes without saying that the summer months will be the most crowded. The gates open at 8:30 if you want to get there early.
What to See
There are numerous important historical aspects of the Colosseum, not just the amphitheatre itself. Don’t miss the Arch of Constantine, which took two years to construct and was dedicated to the first Christian Emperor of Rome. You may be surprised to learn that the Colosseum is not the actual name of the entire structure. It is called the Flavian Amphitheatre, and if you look carefully, you will be able to see the plaque that displays the name.
Inside the Colosseum
Of course, most people who visit the Colosseum are interested in the Gladiators, and the Gate of Death is where the defeated fighters were taken. The Arena Floor is where the action happened and the place where animals were unleashed on the Gladiators.
Visiting the Colosseum in Rome is a worthy bucket list addition and something you will never forget.
