A Country Girl in Italy: The Colosseum

Monday, July 29, 2024

The Colosseum

The Colosseum is perhaps the most famous landmark in Rome, Italy. It is a definite must-see when visiting Rome. It was built in 70 AD and when it opened, the emperor Titus hosted 100 days of gladiator games. Games were not the only thing the Colosseum was used for. It also housed plays, public executions, a church, apartments, and even a cemetery. Earthquakes destroyed part of the humongous building. Restoration began in earnest during the 19th century.

Visiting the Colosseum is relatively inexpensive. I prefer to purchase the Roma Pass to get around Rome, and I use my free entry ticket at the Colosseum, because you can visit the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Forum all in one ticket. Before choosing to use your free pass with your Roma Pass for the Colosseum, be sure that you select your entry time before it is sold out. You can purchase your Colosseum Tickets using the Roma Pass by visiting this website:

Colosseum Tickets with the Roma Pass

The Colosseum is perhaps the very easiest destination to reach in Rome because it is literally only steps off the Colosseo metro stop! Even if you don't purchase tickets, you can hop off the metro at Colosseo and just admire the vastness of the structure. I very highly recommend hopping off this stop at night and seeing the Colosseum all lit up! I have visited Rome 3 times and each time I made sure to visit the Colosseum both during the day and at night. It is a very safe area to be in, even at night, and there are always plenty of people around. Just be sure you watch for pick-pockets! We also saw many streets vendors trying to sell umbrellas because it was raining, and police trying to scare them away. The last time I visited the Colosseum it was pouring rain and I was walking through puddles as I toured the Colosseum. Still totally worth it! Do NOT miss the Colosseum!