Photo by Viacheslav Lopatin ()
The Colosseum is a Roman amphitheater with almost 2,000 years of history behind it and is perhaps one of Rome’s most iconic monuments. The Colosseum was built between the years 72 and 80. During its prime, the Colosseum hosted some of the greatest athletes and exotic animals for plays, recreated battles and gladiator fights. Up to 50,000 people would come to watch the often gruesome spectacles the emperors had organized. For over 500 years, this was the place to be for entertainment for Roman citizens.
Today, the Colosseum is a massively popular tourist attraction, ranking number one in 2018. Here are some quick facts to know before you visit:
Located at Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Roma.
Open daily (except Dec. 25, Jan. 1 and May 1) 8:30 a.m. - 7:15 p.m. from the last Sunday of March-Aug. 31 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. from Sept. 1 - September 30 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. from Oct. 1 - last Saturday of October 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. from the last Saturday of October until February 15 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. from February 16 - March 15 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. from March 16 to last Saturday of March
8:30 a.m. - 7:15 p.m. from the last Sunday of March-Aug. 31
8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. from Sept. 1 - September 30
8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. from Oct. 1 - last Saturday of October
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. from the last Saturday of October until February 15
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. from February 16 - March 15
8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. from March 16 to last Saturday of March
Access is allowed until one hour before closing.
Tickets have a fixed entrance time.
If you book a ticket online, arrive 30 minutes prior to your entry time.
Admission is 12 euros.
Public transportation to this area includes: Metro station, Colosseo, line B; tram station, Piazza del Colosseo, lines 3 and 8; buses, lines 51, 75, 85, 87, 117 and 118 bring you very close to the Colosseum.
Small/medium bags are allowed inside. Travel backpacks and suitcases are not permitted.
From Oct. - March, entry into the Colosseum is free on the first Sunday of the month.
Night guided tours are offered from the end of April to the end of Dec. Guided tours can only be booked online.
“Gladiators” will be milling around the Colosseum. They will charge for pictures taken with them. Also be wary of pickpockets.
Bathrooms are available on-site, though lines are often long.
8:30 a.m. - 7:15 p.m. from the last Sunday of March-Aug. 31
8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. from Sept. 1 - September 30
8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. from Oct. 1 - last Saturday of October
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. from the last Saturday of October until February 15
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. from February 16 - March 15
8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. from March 16 to last Saturday of March
Now that you’re more informed about what to expect when visiting the Colosseum, book your trip to Rome and get ready for a fascinating tour!
