Colosseum Skip the Line Tickets & Tours

Rome's Colosseum is one of the world's best known sites from antiquity, and for something built in 80 AD, it's holding up very well. It was here that the Roman emperors liked to watch gladiators stage to-the-death battles and also hunt and kill wild animals.
The stadium was built so members of the general public could also enjoy the violent spectaculars. Entry was free, although people were seated by social rank and wealth. While gladiatorial games were banned in 438 AD; the wild beast hunting continued until 523.
The Colosseum is amazing for its complex and advanced architecture and building technique. Despite being used as a quarry for building materials at various points in history, it is still largely intact. Visitors can see the tiered seating, corridors and the underground rooms where the animals and gladiators awaited their fate. Take in a tour where you can explore these normally off-limits areas, like the network of underground passages, chambers and cells. Or head up to the upper tier, which was recently opened for the first time since the 1970s. This third level was where members of the lower Roman classes sat when cheering the gladiators, enjoying bird's-eye views of the action below. From this unique vantage point, travelers can walk around and enjoy the views. Put simply, the Colosseum set the model for all modern-day stadiums, the only difference being that today's teams survive their games.

Practical Info

Metro line B stop Colosseo is right beside the Colosseum, close to the entrance, while tramway line 3 stops right at the Colosseum but at the opposite side. Various buses also stop outside the metro station. Some travelers may opt for a combined pass, which allows entry to many Roman sites and museums, sometimes with transportation included. Be prepared to wait a while in line to get in, especially in summer.