The Flavian Amphitheatre, commonly known as the Colosseum, was the largest amphitheatre ever built. Dating from 70-80 AD, it could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators.
This ancient structure had 80 entrances. Today, three of these entrances are used by visitors: the Main Entrance, the Group Entrance, and the Stern Entrance. Each entrance serves different visitor need, and all guests need a ticket to get inside the Colosseum.
Which Entrance to Use
The entrance a ticket holder uses depends on the type of ticket they have. Here’s a breakdown:
Entry Rules
Security Checks
All three entrances require visitors to go through a security check.
- At the Valadier entrances (main gate and group gate), security is similar to airport security, where items are placed on a belt, and visitors walk through a metal detector.
- At the Stern entrance, visitors may be asked to open their bags for inspection. These security lines are designed to move quickly.
Ticket & ID Verification
Show a valid photo ID that matches the name on your ticket. This ID can be a passport or any valid photo ID, including a scanned ID on a smart device.
Appointment Time
Tickets are valid for entry up to 15 minutes prior to and 15 minutes after your scheduled appointment time.
Ticket Validation
Once inside the monument, tickets are scanned for validation. You can stay there as long as you like until closing.
Book Your Colosseum Experience
See allPick standard entry or special tickets to Arena and Underground areas.
Colosseum Arena Floor Tickets
Enter through the gladiators’ gate and step onto the floor where the battles took place.
Colosseum Underground Tour
Go beneath the Colosseum into tunnels and chambers — only with a tour.
Colosseum & Roman Forum Tickets
Standard entry to the Colosseum’s main levels and the Roman Forum.
History of Colosseum Entrances
The Colosseum’s entrances and functions have undergone significant transformations throughout its history, from its use as an arena in ancient Rome to its current state as a historical monument and tourist attraction.
AD
Ancient Rome (Original Use)
When the Colosseum was actively used in ancient Rome, it featured 80 original entrances, marked by Roman numerals above the arches. During the Roman Empire, it served as an arena.
14th – 17th Centuries
Fall into Disuse and Plunder
With the fall of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum fell into disuse. It began to deteriorate due to neglect, plunder, and earthquakes.
A catastrophic earthquake in 1349, estimated around an 8.0 magnitude, caused the outer ring of the south side of the Coliseum to collapse completely. This side is now considered the least interesting and most modern part of the structure, and it’s also where the modern exit is located.
From the 14th to the 17th centuries, during the Renaissance, the Colosseum’s fallen marble acted as a quarry. Popes had workers remove large slabs of marble from the outer ring to construct other significant buildings, including St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John and Lin Palazzo Venezia, Basilica of San Marco, and Palazzo Far, among many others.
18th – 19th Centuries
Restoration and Modern Entrances
In the 18th century, Pope Benedict XIV declared the Colosseum a church, which halted the plundering. Subsequent popes then began efforts to restore the monument.
In the early 1800s, two architects were tasked with rebuilding the outer rings, which were close to collapsing.
In 1820, architect Rafael Stern reinforced the arches on the northwest side, creating what is now known as the Stern Abutment. The entrance here is called the Stern Gate.
In 1826, architect Giuseppe Valadier built a more complete structure on the opposite side. This section is referred to as a Spur or Speron in Italian, leading to the entrances on this side being known as the Sperone Valadier.
Today
Modern Day Entrances
Today, there are just three main entrances for visitors to enter the amphitheatre.
FAQs about Colosseum Entrances
Which entrance should I use?
It depends on the type of ticket you have.
• If you have an “arena 24 hours” ticket, use the Stern Entrance.
• If you are part of an organized tour group, your guide will likely direct you to the Sperone Valadier entrance for tour groups.
• If you have a standard entry ticket, a Full Experience ticket, or a tour booked directly through the Colosseum as an individual, or if you require special assistance (wheelchair, children needing free tickets), you must use the Sperone Valadier entrance (main gate) for individual ticket holders.
Regardless of the entrance, remember that all tickets are nominative, so you’ll need to show a valid photo ID that matches the name on your ticket.
Can I enter from any side of the Colosseum?
No, you can only enter through designated entrances with security checkpoints. Don’t try to find alternative ways in, you’ll just waste time walking around the building.
How early should I arrive before my time slot?
Arrive 15-30 minutes early. Security checks take time, and you need to find the right entrance if it’s your first visit.
Can I use the same entrance if I have skip-the-line tickets?
Yes, all tickets purchased for the Colosseum are considered “skip-the-line” tickets because they allow you to bypass the line to purchase tickets. However, this does not mean you can use just any entrance. You must still use the specific entrance designated for your particular type of ticket.
• Stern Entrance is only for visitors with the Arena 24 hours ticket. If your skip-the-line ticket is for this experience, you will use the Stern Entrance.
• Main Entrance is for individual ticket holders with standard entry ticket, a Full Experience ticket, or a tour booked directly via the Colosseum. This is also the entrance for wheelchair users and their caregivers, and individuals with children needing free tickets.
•Group Entrance is for organized tour groups, your guide will direct you to the specific entrance for tour groups at the Sperone Valadier (though they have the option to use the individual ticket holder entrance as well).
Can I bring a large backpack?
Large bags and backpacks aren’t allowed inside. There’s a small bag storage facility nearby located at Via San Giovanni, just a 2-minute walk from the main entrance. It is open daily from 8:00 to 18:00. Expect to pay around €3 per item for the first two hours, with additional charges for longer storage durations. Keep in mind it fills up quickly during busy periods.
As a backup, consider storing bags at the Bag Check located at the Termini Station, which is larger and provides more availability. Alternatively, leaving large luggage at your hotel is a stress-free option, especially if you have a day of sightseeing planned.
Is the Colosseum accessible by wheelchair?
Yes, wheelchair access is available through the Sperone Valadier entrance for individual ticket holders (main gate).
Inside the Colosseum, there is an elevator that connects the first and second floors. This elevator is specifically for those who need it, including individuals in a wheelchair.
Are there bathrooms near the entrances?
Yes, but expect queues during busy periods. There are also public restrooms in the nearby metro station.
Can I leave and re-enter through the same entrance?
No, tickets are for single entry only. Once you leave, you can’t get back in with the same ticket.
What if my phone battery dies and I have digital tickets?
Always have a backup plan. Screenshot your tickets and store them offline, or print physical copies if possible.