The COLOSSEUM

21. Jan

2020

The construction of the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire was started by Vespasian in 72 AD. This building was planned to change the relationship between power and people from then on: entertainment and distraction offered to the populace for free.

It was used for gladiator fights and hunting simulations involving ferocious and exotic animals. The capacity is estimated around 70.000 people; the shows became occasions to impress and control the people through an unforeseen display of astonishing special effects. Today it is possible to visit and understand how the underground theatrical system worked, with hoists, ramps and trapdoors, in order to present the animals, gladiators and scenery machineries to an overwhelmed crowd.

Find out the unbelievable engineering techniques that allowed ancient Romans to complete this massive structure, that has reached us today, in less than 10 years. It may be two thousand years old but the Colosseum is still the symbol of the eternal city, every year drawing thousands of visitors.

INFORMATION

ADDRESS

Piazza del Colosseo

OPENING TIME

08.30 – 16.30
from January 2 to February 15
last admission at 15.30

08.30 – 17.00
from February 16 to March 15
last admission at16.00

08.30 – 17.30
from March 16 to last Saturday of March
last admission at 16.30

08.30 – 19.15
from the last Sunday of March to August 31
last admission at 18.15

08.30 – 19.00
from September 1 to September 30
last admission at 18.00

08.30 – 18.30
from October 1 to last Saturday of October
last admission at 17.30

08.30 – 16.30
from the last Sunday of October to December 31
last admission at 15.30

Last admission 1 hour before closing time
Closed: December 25, January 1

2 June: closed until 2pm

For security reasons it is strictly forbidden to enter with backpacks, camping, bulky bags and luggage/trolley. It is forbidden to access the monument with bottles and glasses containers, alcholic beverages and spray cans.
Access is not permitted to animals