Colosseum

"You’re not done sightseeing just yet—Rome has more than enough global cultural treasures to fill up one day! Walk thirteen minutes down Via dei Fori Imperiali to arrive the most iconic enduring legacy of ancient Rome, the Colosseum or Flavian Amphitheater. The largest ancient amphitheater ever built—yes, you read that right—it’s capable of holding 50,000-80,000 spectators within the elliptical structure which in itself is a remarkable feat of Roman engineering. Built between 70-80 A.D. under the emperors Vespasian and Titus, this member of the New Seven Wonders of the World symbolized the power, wealth, and architectural prowess of the Roman Empire at its peak while practically functioning as a grand stage for public spectacles intended to demonstrate the might of Rome. The Colosseum’s innovative architecture included advanced features such as a complex system of vaults and arches along with a sophisticated system of elevators and trapdoors for moving animals and scenery into the arena—which was necessary for holding brutal gladiatorial contests. In these cruel combat events, gladiators fought each other or wild animals to entertain the emperor and other elites seated closest to the arena, serving the political purpose of providing "bread and circuses" to the lower class populace. Today, you can tour the Colosseum daily from 8:30 AM - 7:15 PM for €18 to see the complex inner structural architecture up close, exploring viewing tiers of various heights to reimagine the ancient amphitheater from each of the three different perspectives. Whenever you visit, your best bet is to purchase admission tickets online in advance, as the ticket box office frequently sells out and buying a ticket in this manner entails waiting potentially hours in a long queue. The most desirable ticket times—namely the morning hours when it’s not so hot—sell out the fastest, so you can imagine obtaining full experience and guided tours to the underground levels and attic are even harder to secure. The tickets are released 30 days in advance on the exact minute of the tour time; for example, if the tour time you’re seeking starts at 9:30 AM CEST, then the tickets will release at 9:30 AM CEST exactly 30 days before the designated date. That being said, set an alarm if you’re seeking one of these more premiere packages, since a substantially smaller amount of these experiences are offered compared to the standard entry admission! Pro Tip: On the first Sunday of each month, entry to the Colosseum is free, however you should expect much larger crowds on these days. "

"The Colosseum, also known as the Flavius Amphitheatre, is an elliptical marvel standing proudly in the center of Rome, Italy. Built between 70 and 80 AD, this colossal structure remains the largest ancient amphitheater ever constructed and continues to awe visitors with its architectural grandeur and historical significance. For centuries, the Colosseum served as the heart of Roman entertainment. This massive amphitheater hosted a variety of spectacles, including gladiatorial combats, wild animal hunts, staged battles, and even public executions. Its ingenious design, with tiered seating offering excellent views from almost any point, and a complex system of tunnels and elevators ensured the smooth operation of these events. The Colosseum's construction stands as a testament to Roman engineering prowess. The structure utilized a combination of concrete and volcanic rock, resulting in remarkable strength and durability. An intricate network of underground passages facilitated the movement of gladiators, animals, and scenery. The amphitheater's retractable awning, known as the velarium, provided shade for spectators, showcasing yet another feat of Roman engineering ingenuity. Despite centuries of weathering and damage from earthquakes, the Colosseum remains a powerful symbol of Roman power and creativity. Today, it serves as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of visitors each year. Exploring its cavernous halls and imagining the roar of the crowds during ancient spectacles allows visitors to connect with a bygone era and gain a deeper appreciation for Roman civilization."

"The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It is an oval-shaped amphitheater located in the center of Rome, Italy, and is considered one of the greatest architectural and engineering feats of the ancient Roman Empire. The construction of the Colosseum began in 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD under the rule of the emperors Vespasian and Titus. The Colosseum was primarily used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, such as animal hunts, mock sea battles, and reenactments of famous battles and mythological scenes. The Colosseum could hold up to 80,000 spectators and had a sophisticated system of elevators, trapdoors, and ramps to move people, animals, and scenery in and out of the arena. It was built using concrete and stone and was considered a marvel of Roman engineering. Despite suffering from earthquakes, fires, and vandalism over the centuries, the Colosseum still stands today as a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of the ancient Romans. It is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting millions of visitors every year.  Admissions start at €24. "