Colosseum

Entering Rome, you cannot but sense the magnetic charm of the Colosseum which is an irrefutable symbol of the Eternal City and one of the most frequent monuments in the world. Its monumental size and beautiful arches are a source of wonder even at a distance. Constructed almost two thousand years ago in the times of the Flavian emperors, this massive amphitheater was the place where the most incredible spectacles, gladiator fights, and theatrical performances were performed that filled the minds of numerous generations. Step in its ancient arcades today, and it is a kind of a time machine, and history, architecture, legends are all combined into a unique memorable experience.

The Colosseum is not just a museum piece to see on the outside, but it is a breathing monument to the greatness and the permanence of Rome. Indoors, the arena spreads out in front of you and you can visualize the roar of the crowd which formerly occupied the tiers. Furniture hewn of stone, underground walkways, and clever workmanship demonstrate the remarkable artistry of Roman construction men–a wonder of design which continues to surprise. The site has several levels to visit, starting at the arena floor where the gladiators used to stand and then to the upper rings where one can have a panoramic view of the city and the grandeur of the structure.

There is also a visit that brings out the social and cultural pulse of the ancient Rome. Each and every corner narrates something–emperors seeing through their special box, to citizens at popular games. The hypogeum, a buried system of tunnels and chambers under the floor, is one more complication: the wild animals, equipment, and gladiators were waiting to be revealed here, constituting the back-stage workings, the machineries of the games.

In order to maximize on your time, some planning will help. The Colosseum is located in the historic centre of Rome, and it can be easily accessed by metro, bus or walk through the surrounding attractions. It works on time tickets and it is highly advisable to book in advance to obtain your time and not to be queuing long queues. The Roman Forum and Palatine hill are also in many tickets and are part of an incredible archaeological site that you will not regret visiting. Guided tours offer more background and special requests can allow access to areas that are not easily available, e.g. the arena floor or the underground.

There is more than a tick to visiting the Colosseum, it is an experience that links you to the roots of the Western civilization. This is the atmosphere, the tales that its stones bear, and the feelings which it inspires, that make it a remarkable part of any Rome itinerary. It has been my first or a repeat visit and the Colosseum never fails to impress. Book your ticket online and get into a time that is a direct entrance to the history of the world and a great milestone in humanity.