The Roman Colosseum is one of the most famous buildings ever built. It has stood at the center of Rome for nearly 2000 years, from the days in which the Empire dominated ancient Europe and all the way up to today. If you’re visiting Rome, you can’t afford to miss this ancient and spectacular monument.
Attraction in Italy
Years standing
Spectators it held
Visitors a year
Colosseum tickets
See all ticketsAs with every massively popular tourist attraction, there are numerous types of tickets available, and you can choose whether to book them online or buy them when you arrive at the Colosseum. Here you’ll find information on the different tickets and their prices, as well as instructions on how to purchase your tickets in advance so you can skip the long lines at the gate.
What you’ll see
What to see insideGuided tours
See what visitors miss
One of the best ways to experience the Colosseum is on a guided tour, where expert guides share its history, architecture, and fascinating stories. You’ll also gain exclusive access to hidden areas like the underground hypogeum and upper levels.
Plan your visit
Full visitor guideWith over seven million visitors a year, the Colosseum is the most popular tourist attraction in Italy, and one of the most popular in the world. Here you’ll find everything you need to know to plan your visit, from opening schedules, to transportation, accessibility, security, and places to visit nearby.
Piazza del Colosseo, central Rome
Metro Line B, Colosseo stop
From around 8:30 AM, varies by season
Early morning, on a weekday
More guides to the arena and its history
Architecture
Despite the wear and tear it has been subjected to through the ages, the Colosseum is still remarkably well preserved. The building’s architecture is a medley of the three most important Roman orders, Tuscan, Ionic and Corinthian, and it is full of little details that attest the ingenuity of those who designed it.
Facts
Did you know that the Colosseum could seat between 50,000 and 80,000 people? That’s more than many modern football stadiums. Did you know that it was built by up to 100,000 slaves, captured by Rome in its many wars? Did you know that it is believed that as many as 400,000 people died in the Colosseum’s bloody spectacles during the three centuries it was in use?
Gladiators
Everyone has seen ‘Gladiator’, but who were really the gladiators that fought in the arena? Over the course of three centuries, their battles in the Colosseum were the talk of the town. Some of them scaled great heights and became famous celebrities, but for every one that succeeded, hundreds of others died anonymously in the arena.
History
Two thousand years in one building
Learn more about the fascinating history of the Colosseum, from its construction to its present day status as one of the most famous architectural monuments in the world. The Colosseum wasn’t only a combat arena, did you know that over its 2000 year history it has been used as a cemetery, as housing for Rome’s poor, and as a fortified castle of a powerful Roman clan?
Where to stay
Hotels near the Colosseum
Looking for a place to stay in the center of Rome? Check out our list of hotels near the Colosseum. You can book them here too through Booking.com.