Last updated: 25 June 2023
I dreamt of visiting the Colosseum for most of my life. Have you ever had that? Where you had something actually live up to your expectations?
No? Hmmm maybe? Well I can now definitely say that, I have.
“I came, I saw, I conquered.”
Julius Caesar
I stepped out of the Colosseo metro station in Rome and there it was. An ancient stadium of grandeur that has stood in the same spot for almost 2,000 years. If you think about your family tree, that means for as far back as you can (probably) plan, the Colosseum has stood there, in the exact same spot.
Goosebumps resonated across my skin like an the incoming tide. I stood there and just looked up and smiled. I felt suddenly so overwhelmed as I thought that this building has seen ever war we’ve ever had. It’s stood (mostly intact) through earthquakes, the battles of the Middle Ages and a staggering 263 Popes to date.
Slaves and gladiators have battled one another and/or animals to the death; the floor was flooded for mock sea battles while up to 50,000 spectators sat and watched it all unfold. That’s the same capacity as Yankee Stadium in NYC!
When visiting the Colosseum, take your time to explore all the nooks and crannies. Try and visualise the seating, the roar of the crowd and what it would have been like to see man vs beast on such an impressive scale.
You can visit the cells and holding areas where the slaves and animals were kept prior to battle however you can only do this with a tour.
Everything has a downside. I was shocked (and disappointed) to see that you can smoke in the Colosseum! There are freestanding ashtrays to stub your cigarettes out in. I hope this is something they consider changing.
Regardless of this, the Colosseum is now one of my favorite places. I’d love to go back. I’d love to do a night shoot and a full tour of the underground tunnels and cells too. Spend the time here, it’s an awe inspiring site.
The Essentials
Tickets
Lines for the Colosseum are notoriously long. Fortunately you are in the shade however there are ways to bypass the line. If you plan to visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as well then buy a combo ticket which will grant you entry into all 3 for one price. Buy this at the Forum or Palatine to save yourself queuing at the Colosseum then walk straight through.
The Roma Pass is also another option, giving you 2 x free admission to a large number of sites across Rome and then discounted access to additional sites as well as free public transport for 3 days. At 34 Euros it’s not a cheap option unless you use it extensively. Do the math before buying it. This pass lets you skip the queue too.
If you insist on buying your ticket at the Colosseum then get there for opening and line up.
Location
Situated right on the Metro it’s easy to access from line A. Get off at stop: Colosseo.
Accessibility
It is possible to see the first level using a pram/buggie or wheelchair however the rest is stairs. Steep stairs, hold onto the rail and be careful.
