The Colosseum is without a doubt the most famous of Rome's many sights.
It is a sight that once seen can never be forgotten. Apart from the hugely
impressive circular structure there are all the emotive associations with
early Christians being thrown to the lions in this very amphitheatre, gladiators
fighting for their lives, the fate of contestants being decided by the
whim of a thumbs up or a thumbs down sign. The building, also known as
the Flavian Amphitheatre, received its more common name from a giant statue,
or colossus, of Nero, which once stood close to the spot. Designed to replace
the excesses of Nero's unpopular Domus Aurea (or Golden House), the Colosseum
was begun by Vespasian and inaugurated after his death in 79AD by his son
Titus.
Over the road from the Colosseum, next to Via San Giovanni in Laterano,
you'll see a partially excavated area. This was the site of the gladiators'
barracks. A small arena suggests that here they were given the opportunity
to practice their crowd-pleasing skills. Up to fifty thousand spectators
entertained themselves with these life and death struggles, as they poured
in through the various arches which are still clearly visible today.
Although the Colosseum is remarkably well preserved, despite damage from
an earthquake, one can imagine how magnificent it was in those days and
what a proud monument it was to Roman pride in itself.
A full price ticket to the Colosseum costs around €9 and includes
entrance to the Palatine. The Colosseum is open every day from 9am. Closing
time varies from 4.30pm in the winter to 7.30pm in the summer. The ticket
office closes 1 hour before closing time. Info and bookings: tel. (+39)06
39967700. Expect a queue especially in the high season. You could however
simply choose to walk around this impressive monument on the outside to
get an idea of its scale and mass.
9am-7pm,
Oct.-Mar., 9am-3pm
Sun., 9am-1pm
Closed on public holidays
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