The Colosseum

The Colosseum is one of the iconic landmarks that come to mind when you think of Rome or Italy for that matter. It was the largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire, completed in 80 AD. Uses included mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, dramas based on Classical mythology, and more notably it’s where gladiators battled to the death for the entertainment of the mob. Despite its gruesome history, you can’t help but feel the awe when you see it for the very first time.

Walking through the entrance gates, the first thing you notice is of course the lines!! After getting in though, you are able to walk through the inner halls worn away by time. I found myself imagining I was back in time during the height of the Roman empire witnessing the magnitude of events that happened there, with between 50,000 to 80,000 spectators looking on; a truly amazing experience. My only disappointments to the visit was that part of the exterior was being renovated…which ruined a few photo ops and that you have to buy an additional ticket to visit the dungeons below, which also would have allowed you to walk on the partial center floor.

Entrance fee: €12.00
Guide: €5.00 (audio)
Duration of visit: 1.5 hours

Traveler’s tip: There is a separate tour of The Colosseum dungeons for an additional charge. I myself couldn’t get tickets, but how cool would that be to explore.