The Colosseum is an ancient Roman amphitheater and one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome, making it a must-visit for most travelers.
The Colosseum is a quiet testament to the city’s history. What truly awe-struck me from the first moment I saw this iconic site was its grandeur and architectural design. Even though I’d seen photos and clips, witnessing this imposing structure in person was something else.
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It’s Time for a Little History Lesson about the Colosseum
Just kidding! I don’t know much about history and am definitely not a fan of the boring way it was taught in school. These days, I love learning history through travel and stories. Whenever I remember a historical detail about a place, it’s tied to some interesting, funny, or scary story I heard.
So here are a few things I learned about the Colosseum during our visit (thanks to our guided tour, which I highly recommend booking in advance—but more on that later).
Anyway, back to this “history lesson.”
During Roman times, the Colosseum was primarily used for gladiatorial battles and public spectacles, which often included exotic animals, like elephants. Fascinating, right? Well, fascinating in a sad way—but as you probably know, those times were brutal.
If you close your eyes while standing there, you can almost hear the cheers of the spectators or the sounds of battle. It’s amazing how the Colosseum has stood the test of time, remaining a remarkable place to visit for thousands of people.
Want to know something creepy and fascinating at the same time?
Legend has it that the Colosseum is haunted by the spirits of gladiators and others who lost their lives within its walls. Some say that on certain nights at midnight, you can hear the echoes of clashing swords and cries. Hearing stories like these while actually at the Colosseum has a much stronger impact than reading them afterward. Even if you don’t believe in ghost stories, I think it all adds to the mysterious atmosphere of the Colosseum.
How to Get There?
Google it! No, seriously—I don’t mean to sound rude, but Google Maps is honestly the best way to find your way there. Depending on your location, it’ll show you all the transportation options. The Colosseum’s address is Piazza del Colosseo, 1, in Rome, Italy, and I love that Google Maps calculates the best route for you and lets you compare options.
Another thing worth mentioning is that Rome is a very walkable city, so chances are you can get to the Colosseum on foot. During our trip to Rome, we didn’t use a car or public transportation, and we saw so much of the city (except for when we visited Vatican City).
Where to Stay?
Choosing the best place to stay in Rome for easy access to the Colosseum depends on your budget, preferred accommodation style, and other Rome sites you want to visit. I recommend staying somewhere close to the landmarks on your Rome bucket list. As I mentioned, Rome is super walkable and has easy-to-use public transportation, so there really aren’t any major limitations.
Check out some top accommodation options in Rome below:
How to Visit?
One of the best ways to visit the Colosseum is hands down by booking a guided tour.
My only regret is that we booked our guided tour at the location and didn’t research beforehand. Our tour was great, and we learned a lot of cool facts about the Colosseum, but I feel like we might have missed some things. So, do your research and pick the best tour option for you.
Visiting with a guide who knows all the freaky and scary legends will keep you entertained the entire time. Knowing the history behind the Colosseum can enhance your experience there tenfold.
Here’s a quick list of reasons why a guided tour is a must for a full Colosseum experience:
- Skip the line (which is a huge benefit because who wants to spend their Rome holiday standing in a long line?)
- Learn more about the Colosseum’s historical background—it’s a great chance for you and your family to have fun and meaningful time together.
- If you’re traveling with kids, it’s an awesome opportunity for them to learn interesting things about the Colosseum.
- Take your time to explore the Colosseum and take all the photos you want.
- Hear fascinating facts, anecdotes, and legends about the Colosseum that you won’t find on the Internet.
Fun fact (shared by our guide): Did you know that gladiators who survived the longest in battles usually had belly fat? Unlike the perfectly built gladiators we see in movies, in reality, belly fat protects their internal organs. Sounds crazy, right?! But it actually makes a lot of sense.
You can check out the tours below and use the widget to verify availability with no added effort:
What to Visit After the Colosseum? (Nearby Landmarks)
Because I love travel planning and itineraries, here’s a list of nearby landmarks you can visit after exploring the Colosseum. Especially if you’re on a short trip, making the most of your time is key, so consider adding these places to your itinerary for the same day:
- The Domus Aurea: Nero’s Golden House.
- The Roman Forum: Ancient Rome’s Beating Heart.
- The Palatine Hill: Opulent Imperial Palaces.
- Santi Cosma e Damiano: Amazing Ancient Mosaics.
- The Arch of Constantine
I hope you find this Colosseum travel guide useful in planning your trip to Rome.