The Colosseum, one of the most iconic symbols of Rome and Italy, is a must-see for anyone who visits the city. Built-in 70 AD by Emperor Vespasian, this incredible structure has been standing for almost two thousand years. It is estimated that more than five million people visit the Colosseum each year, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. Let’s explore what makes this site so special.
History of the Colosseum
The Colosseum was built as an amphitheater to hold gladiatorial contests and other forms of entertainment including animal hunts and mock sea battles. It was a place where people could come together to watch these events unfold and cheer on their favorite warriors or beasts. It was also used for executions, reenactments of famous battles, and even naval battles with ships filled with water! The Colosseum was able to hold up to 80,000 spectators at one time.
Architecture & Design
The Colosseum is an architectural masterpiece built with a combination of stone and concrete. Its exterior walls are made from travertine stone blocks while its interior walls are made from tufa, volcanic rock that is lightweight but strong enough to support the upper levels of seating. The entire structure stands about 50 meters high and can be seen from miles away due to its location on top of a hill overlooking Rome. Inside, there are four tiers with seating arranged in a semi-circle so that all spectators could get an unobstructed view of whatever event was taking place below them.
At its peak, the Colosseum would have been painted bright white with marble accents throughout its interior and exterior walls – giving it an awe-inspiring look that still lingers today despite various renovations over the centuries.
How to Get There
The Colosseum is located in the heart of Rome, Italy. It’s easy to find – just look for the large hill with the massive structure on top. You can’t miss it!
The easiest way to get there is by taking the Metro – just take line B and get off at the Colosseo stop. From there, it’s a short walk to the entrance. You can also take a bus – numbers 3, 8, or 75 will all drop you off close by. If you’re walking, it’ll take about 20-30 minutes depending on where you’re coming from.
No matter how you choose to get there, be sure to allow plenty of time as lines can be long during peak tourist season!
Conclusion:
Today, visitors can explore the vast history behind this impressive structure by taking self-guided tours through the ruins or participating in guided group tours led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insight into what life would have been like inside these ancient walls centuries ago. Visiting the Colosseum is always a unique experience whether you’re there to explore its fascinating history or just take in its majestic beauty – it’s worth adding to your travel itinerary if you’re ever in Rome!
Rome Tourist Attractions
If you want to get information about the best places to visit in Italy, you can check our Tourist Attractions in Rome article.
Official Website: https://parcocolosseo.it/en/
