Colosseum (Colosseo)
The Colosseum is arguably ancient Rome’s most famous building. This massive structure, with arch upon arch reaching 48m (157ft) into the air and measuring 190m by 155m (620ft by 513ft), used to hold up to 50,000 boisterous Roman citizens. Opened in AD 80 by Emperor Titus in a ceremony that included 100 days of games, the Colosseum played host to Rome’s favourite spectator sports – gladiatorial contests, combats between men and wild animals and even mock naval battles. Today, only the shell remains along with a view down to the passages through which slaves and animals were led before entering into battle. Unlike other Roman amphitheatres that are dug into hillsides, the Colosseum is a free-standing structure of stone and concrete and has long served as a model for stadia around the world.
Contact Addresses
Il Colosseo, Piazza Colosseo, Formece 72, Rome, Italy
Tel: (06) 700 4261
Website: www.enit.it
Transportation
Air: Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport (Fiumicino), Rome Ciampino Airport. Water: Ferry: Civitavecchia port, from where there are services to central Rome. Rail: Train: Roma Termini Station, Roma Tiburtina Station, Roma Ostiense Station or Roma Trastevere Station. Underground: Colosseo. Tram: Piazza del Colosseo. Road: Bus: Regular public services. Car: A12 (from the west); A24 (from the east); SS7 (from Rome Ciampino Airport).
Location
Italy, Rome
