The Coliseum
Author: SerenaThe Flavian Amphitheatre, best known as the Coliseum, is the Rome most emblematic monument and it is the symbol of the Roman civilisation in the world. It has, in fact, 2000 years of history and it is characterized by a endless charm just like the City where it is placed. In this page you will find historical information about the Coliseum, its detailed description, the opening hours and its location.
Historical information
Placed in the Domus Aurea area (the private residence of Nero), the Coliseum is the biggest amphitheatre built by the Romans and the most important theatre in Rome. The Coliseum was built in 72 after Christ died wanted by the emperor Vespasiano and then it was inaugurated by Tito’s sun in the 80 after Christ. Being able of hosting 45.000 spectators, the Coliseum was used for the gladiators shows: other games were represented by fights among animals (venationes) and spectacular killings of prisoners (noxii). The emperor Tito in the occasion of the inauguration of the Coliseum organized three months of games characterized by a relevant sacrifice of gladiators and animals.
In 1675, during the Jubilee, the Coliseum became a sacred place in memory of the Christian martyrs condemned to torture. In 1744 Pope Benedetto XIV wanted the construction of 15 stations of the Via Crucis by adding even more religious symbols that area.
Panoramic view of the Coliseum
Description of the Coliseum
The internal structure of this monument reflected different categories of audience whose level increased when the height decreased: five horizontal sectors for five categories of spectators with different types of wooden or marble steps. Just the final part was dedicated to women.
The arches (characterized by numbers) represented the entries of the Coliseum. 12 marble arches were destined to Senators being connected to corridors that reached the most inner ring of the amphitheatre. This was the most important sector after the southern stage for the emperor only.
The Coliseum arena represented the play field always covered by clean sand to absorb sacrifices blood.
Inner view of the Coliseum
Above the arena there was a big network of services: from here the freight elevators transported to surface machinery or animals used for the games.
How to arrive to the Coliseum
The access to this monument is the Square of the Coliseum.
The most rapid way to reach this monument is to catch the Line B of the subway until the underground stop called Coliseum, once out of the station you will be in front of this magnificent Amphitheatre.
Otherwise, from every part of Rome you can catch a bus to arrive there: there are many lines that will bring you exactly beside this monument (Lines n. 3, 8, 75, 175 and 271).
By car you can drive through Street of the Imperial Forum or through Celio Vibenna Street: you should be aware that in this area there is a lot of traffic and car parks are all with fee.
Opening Hours
You can visit the Coliseum according to the following opening hours:
- from the first of September to the 30th of September: from 8:30 a.m. to 19:00 p.m.
- from the first of October to the Saturday before the last Sunday of October: from 8:30 a.m. to 18:30 p.m.
- from the last Sunday of October to the 15th of February: from 8:30 a.m. to 16:30 p.m
- from the 16th of February to the 15th of March: from 8:30 a.m. to 17:00 p.m
- from the 16th of March to the Saturday before the last Sunday of March: from 8:30 a.m. to 17:30 p.m
- from the last Sunday of March to the 31th of August: : from 8:30 a.m. to 19:15 p.m.
For any information: +39 06.39967700
Places that deserve special attention in this area:
the Domus Aurea, the Imperial Forums, the Basilica of Massenzio, the Roman Forum, the Circo Massimo.
Overnight stay in the area
You can choose among the several hotels placed in the Roma Termini area or one of the B&B placed around the Coliseum.
Where to eat in the area
You can eat in one of the several inns place in the Esquilino zone.
Amusements in the area
Discover all the pubs and clubs placed around the Coliseum to spend an amusing night.
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