Colosseum

Rome, Italy

The Colosseum is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. Built of concrete and sand, it is the largest amphitheatre ever built and probably the most well-known landmark of Rome. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus. Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian (81-96).

The Colosseum could hold, it is estimated, between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, having an average audience of some 65,000; it was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.

Although partially ruined because of damage caused by earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum is still an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. It is one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions and also has links to the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit 'Way of the Cross' procession that starts in the area around the Colosseum.

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Address

Piazza del Colosseo 58, Rome, Italy
See all sites in Rome

Details

Founded: 72-80 AD
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Italy

More Information

www.the-colosseum.net
www.history.com
www.rome.info
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby


Sistine Chapel (3,4 km)
Arch of Constantine (0,1 km)
St. Peter's Basilica (3,5 km)
Basilica of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli (0,8 km)
Altare della Patria (0,9 km)
St. Peter's Square (3,2 km)
Pantheon (1,6 km)
Vatican Historical Museum (3,6 km)
Apostolic Palace (3,3 km)


Villa d'Este (26,4 km)

User Reviews

Tim Cummings (7 months ago)
Fantastic ancient history! I live on Maui, Hawaii, and got the chance to tour Europe with my daughter for 10 days in 2019. Being from a Navy family I had the good fortune to live in Spain for 3 years when my Dad was stationed in Rota in the 60s. I told my daughter that while Hawaii and the Mainland US have history she was going to see places and monuments that date over 2,000 years. Trip didn't disappoint! My daughter was amazed.
Massarat Shaikh (8 months ago)
The Colosseum is extremely beautiful. Make sure to read some history behind it before your visit. I would recommend to take a guided tour. We were lucky to have an English speaking Italian guide, who was incredible. Also try to visit the Palatine hill. Our visit took us back in time :) and we left with great memories. Also make sure to take a walk around the area. It's a beautiful walk with many surprises.
Illiana Salser (9 months ago)
Amazing! Lines are long but worth the wait. This place will make you feel small. Highly recommend booking an experienced tour guide, preferably someone who is familiar with Bible based tours. The history of this place as well as the grandeur is pretty cool. Go early so the lines aren’t too long and bring a hat and water, you will be happy you did.
Ty Williams (9 months ago)
If you're going to go, plan ahead. Go early morning before the crowds or evening. We bought tickets ahead of time however, had to change to 1:45pm. The lines we long...maybe a 45 minutes wait to get in. I highly suggest you get the "skip the line" tickets, if that's within your budget. I had two kids in tow, a 9 and 5 y/o and it was HOT, they were done by the time we got inside, particularly the 5 y/o. I am happy I got the opportunity to stand on a piece of Roman history
Thomas Buelow (10 months ago)
Nice place, very cool. The kids will have fun. The outer rings are a lot cooler when it's hot outside. I didn't get a tour, just purchased tickets online. I paid extra to go to the ground floor. Worth it. Awesome place.
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Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Landmarks of Sicily
Photo from Flickr, copyright Nicola since 1972

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Royal Palace of Naples

Royal Palace of Naples was one of the four residences near Naples used by the Bourbon Kings during their rule of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (1734-1860): the others were the palaces of Caserta, Capodimonte overlooking Naples, and the third Portici, on the slopes of Vesuvius.

Construction on the present building was begun in the 17th century by the architect Domenico Fontana. Intended to house the King Philip III of Spain on a visit never fulfilled to this part of his kingdom, instead it initially housed the Viceroy Fernando Ruiz de Castro, count of Lemos. By 1616, the facade had been completed, and by 1620, the interior was frescoed by Battistello Caracciolo, Giovanni Balducci, and Belisario Corenzio. The decoration of the Royal Chapel of Assumption was not completed until 1644 by Antonio Picchiatti.

In 1734, with the arrival of Charles III of Spain to Naples, the palace became the royal residence of the Bourbons. On the occasion of his marriage to Maria Amalia of Saxony in 1738, Francesco De Mura and Domenico Antonio Vaccaro helped remodel the interior. Further modernization took place under Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies. In 1768, on the occasion of his marriage to Maria Carolina of Austria, under the direction of Ferdinando Fuga, the great hall was rebuilt and the court theater added. During the second half of the 18th century, a 'new wing' was added, which in 1927 became the Vittorio Emanuele III National Library. By the 18th century, the royal residence was moved to Reggia of Caserta, as that inland town was more defensible from naval assault, as well as more distant from the often-rebellious populace of Naples.

During the Napoleonic occupation the palace was enriched by Joachim Murat and his wife, Caroline Bonaparte, with Neoclassic decorations and furnishings. However, a fire in 1837 damaged many rooms, and required restoration from 1838 to 1858 under the direction of Gaetano Genovese. Further additions of a Party Wing and a Belvedere were made in this period. At the corner of the palace with San Carlo Theatre, a new facade was created that obscured the viceroyal palace of Pedro de Toledo.

In 1922, it was decided to transfer here the contents of the National Library. The transfer of library collections was made by 1925.

The library suffered from bombing during World War II and the subsequent military occupation of the building caused serious damage. Today, the palace and adjacent grounds house the famous Teatro San Carlo, the smaller Teatrino di Corte (recently restored), the Biblioteca Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele III, a museum, and offices, including those of the regional tourist board.

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