Here are the answers to the main questions asked about the Colosseum.
Questions about its architecture
Nothing extraordinary in the answer, the Colosseum is ... place of the Colosseum, in Rome. It's right in the center of the Italian capital, not only can you see it everywhere, but it is very often indicated.
Learn more: Location of the Colosseum
The Colosseum is egg-shaped, it is called "ovoid", that is to say almost elliptical. It is 187.75m long and 155.60 wide only. The arena is smaller, it measures 83m by 48. In height, the Colosseum is 50m high.
The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater that was built in the Roman Mire.
Learn more: Dimensions of the Colosseum
Questions about the visit
The opening hours are not very constant. If the monument opens every day at 8:30 am, the closing time varies depending on the season. Rather than detailing them here, check out the schedules below.
Learn more: Opening times of the Colosseum.
The price is 12 €, 7.50 € reduced price, for young adults (18-25 years) nationals of the European Union. Free admission is granted to under 18s, as well as to a few special cases.
Learn more: Rates of the Colosseum.
The visiting time depends on each of course, but compared to what there is to see a duration of 1 hour is correct. This is the duration of guided tours, for example. Even if it is big, the Colosseum does not have many hidden elements, specific architectural pieces. It is, ultimately, only a big building. Admittedly, it is impressive, but in one hour we can go around.
Learn more: Visit the Colosseum.
Questions about its history
The construction of the Colosseum began in 70 AD, perhaps in 72. It was inaugurated in 80. It was the Emperor Vespasian who ordered it, but he never saw it finished. His son Titus will inaugurate it in 80 AD. Major works took place immediately after, under his successor, Domitian.
Learn more: History of the Colosseum
It never stopped being used, but as an arena the last show took place in 523, it was a wild animal hunt, as it was usual. The last gladiator fight took place in 404, more than a century ago. This cessation of human combat was due to the conversion of the emperor Theodosius to Christianity, which imposed the end of paganism.
Learn more: Main events of the Colosseum
