The Colosseum is ancient Rome's great amphitheatre, begun under Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and completed under Titus in 80 AD, with a capacity of roughly 50,000 to 80,000 spectators for gladiatorial combat, wild-animal hunts and public spectacles. It is the largest amphitheatre ever built, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed 1980 as part of Rome's historic centre) and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World since 2007. Today it is Rome's signature landmark, drawing well over 10 million visitors a year.
Arena Floor: stand on the 83 m by 48 m elliptical stage and take in the interior from a gladiator's-eye view
The Hypogeum (Underground): a two-level maze of tunnels and chambers beneath the arena, once holding gladiators, props and animals, with surviving lifts, trapdoor mechanisms and bronze capstans (guided tours only)
The Attic (4th-5th tiers) and Belvedere viewpoint: look straight down into the arena and enjoy panoramas of Palatine Hill, the Arch of Constantine and the Roman skyline
Combined ticket also covers the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill nearby
Ancient stage machinery still in its original position after nearly 2,000 years
Good to know
RulesEntry requires an online, timed-slot reservation; the official seller is ticketing.colosseo.it. Tickets are released 30 days ahead and sell out fast in peak season (June-August), so book well in advance (confirm current prices and rules).
CautionPeople dressed as gladiators near the monument offer a 'free' photo, then demand €20-50 per person once it's taken and may turn aggressive if you refuse. Do not engage.
CautionUnofficial street ticket sellers may charge inflated prices for genuine tickets or hand over worthless ones; friendship-bracelet sellers, petition-signers and fake guides are also common. Buy only through official channels.
SafetyPickpockets are most active in the crowds between 10 AM and 4 PM, and around the metro, buses and Colosseo station. Wear a bag across your front with the zip closed, and never keep a wallet or phone in a back pocket.
RulesAll entrances have a security check (about 5 minutes per person, unavoidable). Large bags, suitcases and backpacks are not allowed, and anything over 30x30 cm must go to a paid locker, adding up to 30 minutes in peak season. Arrive 20-30 minutes before your slot.
SeasonFrom June to August, expect 35°C-plus heat with little shade on the upper tiers, making midday visits genuinely uncomfortable. Choose an early-morning or late-afternoon slot and bring water, a hat and sun protection.
Practical info
Take Metro Line B (blue) to Colosseo station, a 2-minute walk and two stops from Termini. Open daily year-round from 8:30, closing between 16:30 in winter and 19:15 in peak summer; last entry is one hour before closing. Closed 25 Dec, 1 Jan and 1 May; free entry on the first Sunday of each month (confirm current hours and prices).
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