Driving to your hotel in Italy, one cannot help but see the magnificent Roman Colosseum looming overhead as you whiz by.  Listen to the romantic Italian language flow all around and one can not help but become excited.  It is time to get ready so let us start this adventure.  First, all that comes to mind is how best to visit this historical place.  With so much to see, it can be hard to know where to start. 

There is a lot of history associated with the Roman Colosseum. Let me start out with historic facts, location, hours, ticket information plus directions.  Next, will look at some great tips to help make your visit easier along with a link to one of my favorite travel podcast from Rick Steves Travel.  Now we can create the ultimate experience.

Check out the best way to view the Roman Colosseum, Italy.

Roman Colosseum Facts

When was the Colosseum built?

• The Colosseum was built between 72AD – 80AD under the rule of Emperor Vespasian.  Built over the site of Emperor Nero’s man-made lake. 

What is the Colosseum made of?

• The Colosseum is made from travertine, stone and concrete with the help of thousands of slaves.  Notice the Roman style of the Colosseum and rounded arches and a facade that is decorated with Greek like columns.

How did they build the Colosseum?

• Thousands of slaves built the Colosseum with sand stone and concrete. 

What was the Colosseum used for?

• The Colosseum was used for free events for all citizens which occasionally included food, all paid for by the emperor.  The emperor used these events to gain support and popularity with the people.  Some brutal events orchestrated by the emperors could include up to 10,000 animal kills a day.  Facts say that gladiatorial games were held here until approximately the 5^th century with animal hunts until the 6^th century. 

What is under the Colosseum?

• There are underground tunnels under the Colosseum.  These were used to keep the gladiators and animals separated, waiting to meet their fate.  Notice the 36 trap doors on the floor of the Colosseum which gives way for special effects.

How tall is the Colosseum?

• The Colosseum is 189m long, 156m wide, 50m high, and oval in shape.  Some say that the Colosseum could fit in a modern-day football stadium.

What is the other name for the Colosseum?

• Another name for the Colosseum is called the “Flavian Amphitheater”.  The name originated from the emperors that commissioned and built this site who were from the Flavian Dynasty.

Where is the Colosseum located?

• The colosseum is located in the center of Rome, Italy in Europe east of the Roman Forum.

Where is the entrance to the Colosseum?

• The entrance to the Colosseum is located along Via dei Fori Imperial.

How many can sit in the Colosseum?

• The Colosseum can seat approximately 50,000 roaring fans.

What happened to the Colosseum?

• The Colosseum over time has been destroyed mostly from vandalism, fires and the earthquake of 1349.  In learned that the ruble was taken and used to build churches, palaces, the Vatican, plus other buildings in Rome.

Why is the Colosseum important?

• The Colosseum was an important way to impress and control the people through a display of special effects.  It is Rome at its finest.

What time does the Colosseum open and close?

• The hours for the Colosseum vary different times of the year.
• Oct 1 to last Saturday in October:   0830am –  1830pm
• Last Sunday in Oct to Feb 15:  0830am – 1630pm
• Feb 16^th to March 15^th:  0830am – 1700pm
• March 16^th to March 24:  0830am – 1730pm
• Last Sunday March to August 31^st:  0830am – 1915pm
• Sept 1^st to Sept 30^th:  0830am – 1900pm
• Closed:  December 25^th and January 1st  

How to get to the Colosseum?

• Metro stop is “Colosseo”
• Use Bus #60 if in hotels near Via Nazionale and Via Firenze.
• Use Bus #87 links Largo Argentina with the Colosseum.

How to buy tickets to the Colosseum?

*Online via Colosseum Official Website 

• Tickets with entrance time for individual: E14
  • 1 Ticket to the Colosseum at a reserved time and 1 Ticket to the Forum or Palatine Hill and ongoing exhibitions.  Valid for 2 consecutive days from the first use.
• Open Ticket
  • 1 Entrance to the Colosseum after 2pm and 1 Entrance to the Roman Forum or Palatine Hill.  Can be used until Dec 31.  On sale until Sept 30^th which is past the date of this post.  *No longer available.
• S.U.P.E.R. Ticket: E20
  • 1 Entrance to the Colosseum and 2 entrances to the Roman Forum / Palatine Hill (all in one day), any temporary exhibition.
  • Valid for 2 consecutive days and allows the entrances to 7 places with special access according to availabilities. [ Neronian Cryptoportico, Palatine Museum, Aula Isiaca – Loggia Mattei, Augustus’ House, Livia’s House, Temple of Romulus, Santa Maria Antiqua with the oratory of the forty martyrs and the Domitian ramp] 

Or

Roma Pass:  2 choices

• 48hr Pass E48: includes
  • 1 museum
  • Metro, buses and trams
  • Discounts and reduced-price ticketing for exhibitions, events, and tourist services.
  • Valid 48 hours from first validation
  • Includes a Roma Map

Note:  The Vatican Museums not part of the 48hr Roma Pass. 

• 72hr Pass E38,50 includes:
  • 2 museums
  • Metro, buses and trams
  • Discounts and reduced-price ticketing for exhibitions, events, and tourist services.
  • Valid 72 hours from first validation
  • Includes a Roma Map

Note: The Vatican Museums not part of the 72hr Roma Pass

*Purchase the Roma Pass Online or at the tabacchi shop in the Colosseo Metro station or at the entrance to Palatine Hill on Via di San Gregorio.

*List of Museums covered in the Roma Pass.

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