This theatre, known worldwide as the Colosseum, is the most famous symbol of the city. Rome All over the world.
You can explore this popular landmark on your own or take a guided tour for more information and the opportunity to ask questions as you walk around.
What is impressive is that despite damage from fires, earthquakes and neglect, as well as its conversion into a castle for the Frangipani family, and the looting of its stone to build palaces, the Colosseum still retains large parts of its original form.
Colosseum: Outer Wall
The Colosseum was 186 metres long and 156 metres wide, and was oval in shape (although it appeared almost circular.)
The outer wall, 57 metres high and built of travertine marble and held together by iron clamps, was damaged by several earthquakes and its entire southern side collapsed in the earthquake of 1349.
The stone from it was also used in the construction of buildings throughout Rome, but you can see the original layers of columns and arches on the remaining north side.
What appears to be the outer wall of the rest of this monument is its original inner wall.
Of the four main entrances, only a few original painted plaster reliefs remain.
The outer wall of the Colosseum
Night view of the Colosseum
Colosseum from the inside
The purpose of the Colosseum and the reason the Flavian emperors built it was to satisfy the public's enthusiasm for games and jousts.
You can still see the names of the senators (who attended important duels and games) carved on the stones there.
The rows of seats, the internal aisles and the stairs were carefully arranged, so that the 50,000 spectators could get to their seats or leave within a few minutes.
Colosseum from the inside
Tourists inside
Arch of Constantine
Standing next to the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal arch honoring Emperor Constantine as the “liberator of the city” after his victory at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312.
At 21 metres high, it is the largest Roman triumphal arch that has been well preserved to this day.
Moreover, the arch is decorated with reliefs taken from earlier structures, so some of the scenes carved on it have nothing to do with Constantine and the victory.
Arch of Constantine
Arch of Constantine
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to the Colosseum
Visiting this landmark is one of the most popular things to do in Rome, especially in... Italy generally.
So unless you book a tour in advance, expect a long wait to get in.
Guided tours can take you to areas not open to the general public.
Also, the best times to visit are early morning and around noon, when there are not as many crowds.
Tourists around Rome's most famous landmark
One of the most famous landmarks in Italy in general
Guided tour of this famous tourist attraction
The best way to avoid the wait is to take a half-day walking tour of Ancient Rome and the Colosseum.
Visitors will have the added advantage of having an expert guide to point out details you might miss.
This also means that you won't have to wait long to see the wonders of this magnificent structure and hear stories of its turbulent past.
Guided tours are the best way to explore this iconic landmark.
Attractions near this landmark
The Colosseum is surrounded by some of the most important sites of ancient Rome such as: the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, and the Domus Aurea (Golden House).
There are also many of the capital's major landmarks, which are only a short walk away.
Roman Forum Ruins
Some landmarks surrounding the Colosseum
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