Colosseum – Colosseum Rome Tickets

Building Materials of the Colosseum

Colosseum Rome Tickets — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 06:44:32 +0000

Materials used in the construction of the Colosseum were chosen carefully. In the below of the building, heavier materials such as tuff and lime were used, which was known as grading.

Roman builders know and discovered different techniques to build this giant edifice. Stronger but lighter mortar, bricks and volcanic stone were used by them.

The Materials used in Colosseum:

1 – Travertine: The limestone which was used in the main pillars and walls were strong and brought from Tibur. It was generally white or yellow.
2 – Tuff: Tuff is softer than travertine and it brings elasticity. However; since it was not resistant to the fire, the damage was bigger in cases of big fires in Colosseum.
3- Concrete: Concrete was invented by the Romans. It was cheap, quick to make, and easy to use. To make concrete, the Romans dropped pieces of rubble into sticky mortar made of lime (a powder of burned chalk or limestone), water, and pozzolana (a volcanic ash). The mortar hardened as it dried, holding the concrete together. Rubble gives concrete its strength. Big lumps of heavy rubble were used in the Colosseum’s foundations. Small lumps of light rubble were used in the upper walls.
4- Bricks: Bricks were mixed with water, sand and tiles.
5 – Iron / Bronze Clamps: In order to bind stones together these clamps were used.
6 – Marble: Marble is used both in decoration and the entrances of the cavea in Colosseum. Some of the columns are also made of marble. The first three marble rows were for the nobles and special guests.
7 – Lime: Lime was used as binder for the cement by adding water. It was made of limestone which is heated.
8 – Mortar: Mortar is mixture of cement/sand and water. There were two types of mortar: The first one is lime mortar – the one we mentioned above, and pozzolanic mortar – the volcanic ash which is an aluminous material reacted with calcium hydroxide.
9 – Stone: Stone was used on the outside walls of Colosseum and the sections of the building that took the most weight. Big lifting cranes hoisted stone blocks into the air. They were powered by roman slaves walking around and around a treadwheel. Inside walls of Colosseum and underground passages (called Hypogeum) were built using heavy concrete and brick. The upper levels were built with less heavy materials, such as wood, bricks, and the lightest concrete.

Interior of Colosseum, ancient Roman amphitheater. – Building Materials of the Colosseum –

Ancient Roman brickwork – Building Materials of the Colosseum.

Antique original brick wall – Building Materials of the Colosseum.

Inside of Colosseum in Rome, Italy

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Ludus Magnus

Colosseum Rome Tickets — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 07:04:48 +0000

Ever wondered where gladiators trained before stepping into the Colosseum? Just east of the amphitheater, in the valley between the Esquiline and Caelian hills, lie the remains of the Ludus Magnus—the biggest gladiator barracks and training complex in ancient Rome. You’ll find it between Via Labicana and Via di San Giovanni in Laterano, with the excavated half of the complex open to view at street level. The Flavian emperor Domitian ordered the school as part of a broader building program around the new amphitheater, placing it a short walk—and one corridor—away from the arena itself.

Reconstruction Sketch of Ludus Magnus in Ancient Rome

Reconstruction Sketch of Ludus Magnus in Ancient Rome-2

Location, Plan & “Why Here”

The school’s footprint was rectangular, built in brick-faced concrete but once revetted in marble. At its heart stood an ellipsoidal training arena surrounded by a quadriporticus with travertine columns;where the porticoes met, triangular corner fountains cooled the space—details you can still pick out on site. The visible ruins today preserve the northern half; the southern mirror image lies beneath modern buildings.

Origins under Domitian, Later Restorations

Domitian initiated the Ludus Magnus in the late 1st century AD. After a fire in 107 AD, the complex underwent major works under Trajan: the ground level of the surrounding porticoes was raised by roughly 1.5 m while the arena stayed at its original Flavian level. Activity continued into the 2nd century and beyond, with later repairs before abandonment in late antiquity when gladiatorial shows faded and the area saw modest burials.

Think of the central arena as a scaled‑down stage for the great show next door: a training ring with nine stepped rows (gradus) for onlookers and a lower wall lined with marble slabs. Ceremonial access lay on the long axis of the oval, with boxes for magistrates on the short axis—small but telling signs of status even during practice. The arena itself measured about 63 × 42 m, and the surrounding seating could accommodate up to roughly 3000 people, suggesting that Romans didn’t just watch the games; they watched the training, too.

Around the arena, a ring of uniform rooms opened off the porticoes. Four triangular corner fountains punctuated the cloister‑like walk, and stairways climbed to upper levels. On the north side facing Via Labicana you can still see a run of compact cells—interpreted as living quarters—each leading to stairs for the floor above. Surviving evidence demonstrates at least two levels, and reconstructions suggest the full, symmetrical plan housed dozens of rooms per floor arranged for lodging, storage, and administration.

Ludus Magnus

Tip: A dedicated subterranean corridor—the eastern cryptoporticus—linked the Ludus Magnus to the Colosseum so fighters could reach the arena efficiently and out of public view. That ancient passage was severed in the 19th century by a new sewer line, but recent conservation by the Parco archeologico del Colosseo has reclaimed and interpreted the preserved section under the Colosseum with multimedia that helps you visualize the original connection along the Colosseum–Ludus axis.

Life & Discipline Inside the Barracks

This was a world of strict routine. Gladiators slept in cell‑like rooms and trained daily in the courtyard arena under specialist instructors (the doctores) and the lanista who managed the school. Practice sessions were a spectacle in their own right; with seating built into the cavea, the public could watch techniques rehearsed before the real contests next door. The arrangement matches how ancient writers and modern archaeological syntheses describe the rhythm of a ludus—eat, train, rest, repeat—geared toward performance on the amphitheater floor.

The Ludus Magnus was the flagship within a cluster of facilities serving the games. Ancient sources and topographical evidence point to other training schools—Ludus Matutinus, Ludus Dacicus, and Ludus Gallicus—likely nearby, though their exact sites are uncertain. The district also hosted essential support buildings for spectacles: the Castra Misenatium (quarters for the naval personnel who handled the velarium), the Armamentaria (weapon stores), the Saniarium (treatment of injured fighters), the Spoliarium (where fallen bodies were stripped), and the Summum Choragium (scenery workshops and storage). Could you picture the clang of armor echoing through this campus as crews rehearsed complex stagecraft?

Remains of Ludus Magnus, Rome, Italy

Although scholars knew the Ludus Magnus from fragments of the Forma Urbis Romae—the giant Severan marble map inscribed with building plans—its precise location remained uncertain until 1937. Works that year exposed part of the complex; targeted campaigns in 1957–61 cleared the northern half visible today. The Forma Urbis fragments bearing the Colosseum and Ludus Magnus (displayed together in the early 2000s) continue to anchor reconstructions of the full, symmetrical plan.

Remains of the Ludus Magnum, near the Coliseum, the only one of the four garret barracks built by Diocletian still partially visible today

Rome, Italy. Ancient Roman ruins of Ludus Magnus – historic gladiator school.

As of August 2024, the site has been temporarily closed to the public for works financed under the PNRR program; arrangements previously allowed limited scheduled visits for small groups via the city’s 060608 booking line. On‑the‑spot viewing from street level remains possible, and it pairs naturally with a Colosseum visit and a walk over the Caelian (Celio) Hill.

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Meta Sudans

Colosseum Rome Tickets — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 07:17:51 +0000

Meta Sudans is a marble-faced fountain and erected by Domitian (between ad 89 and 96 A.D.) in front of the Via Sacra. It was the largest monumental fountain in the ancient city.

Meta Sudans was restored by Constantine the Great and took its name from its resemblance to the pillar (meta) that marked the turning point in the circus, hence its name, and sudans for the water that gushed out of it.

Meta Sudans Photo Gallery:

“Meta” was the tall cone at each end of a circus’ central spine; “sudans” suggests water welling or oozing rather than shooting in a jet.The fountain’s brick-and-concrete core was faced with marble, and water likely seeped down its surfaces, creating a shimmering film—hence the evocative name. Ancient processions used the fountain as a literal turning point: triumphal marches coming up the Via Triumphalis rounded here to enter the Via Sacra and the Roman Forum. Think of it as a monumental roundabout in stone guiding Rome’s most symbolic traffic.

The Meta Sudans in a period photograph, before the demolitions ordered by Mussolini for reasons relating to traffic. As the Governor of Rome Boncompagni Ludovisi wrote in September 1933:«… the conservation of the two of the base of Nero’s Colossus and the Meta Sudans…is undoubtedly a very serious obstacle… obliging the cars… to turn in a tight circle…»

Arch of Constantine and Meta Sudans, 18 th century Italian drawing. Meta Sudans detail.

Standing at the foot of the Palatine Hill, the Meta Sudans marked one of the most strategic junctions in Rome. Four Augustan regions—Regiones I, III, IV, and X—met here (and some scholars add II as a possibility). That location, at a vertex of the early city’s sacred boundary (the Romulean pomerium), amplified the site’s ritual weight along the triumphal route. As you step out of the Colosseum toward the Arch of Constantine today, you’re walking the same space where that conical fountain once organized the flow of crowds, carts, and ceremony.

A photograph documenting the tourist gathering outside of the remains of the Meta Sudans fountain complex adjacent to the Arch of constantine and the Colosseum in Rome

The circular remains of Meta Sudans, a great Roman fountain can be seen by the Arch of Constantine. In 1936, Mussolini ordered it’s demolition and all that can be seen is this circle in the grass

Imaginary reconstruction of the Colosseum, of the Meta Sudans of the Colossal bronze Statue of Nero.

Ancient depictions and modern archaeology allow a careful reconstruction.The core monument stood roughly 17–18 meters tall; below it stretched a circular basin about 16 meters across. Coins suggest a cylindrical base, probably articulated with niches, capped by a tapered cone surmounted by a floral or spherical finial—details that match late‑19th‑century photographs taken before demolition. The overall profile would have caught the eye from across the Colosseum Valley, water sliding down its marble skin like a thin veil.

If you look at Flavian coins that celebrate the Colosseum, you’ll often see the Meta Sudans beside it. A notable sestertius of Titus shows the amphitheatre with the fountain to the left—an image that anchors the fountain’s silhouette and proximity in hard, numismatic evidence. These tiny pictures help confirm both the conical profile and the relationship between the fountain and Rome’s great arena.

By the 1800s, the Meta Sudans had lost its marble skin, leaving a brick cone still more than nine meters high—photographed repeatedly beside the Arch of Constantine. In the 1930s, Fascist-era urban works cleared much of the Colosseum Valley for new parade routes. In 1936, the remaining stump of the Meta Sudans was demolished to open a traffic circle; a commemorative plaque marked the spot for decades. The base of Nero’s Colossus nearby met the same fate.

Beginning in the late 20th century, archaeologists re‑excavated the area (notably in 1997–1998) and closed the traffic loop, turning it into a pedestrian zone. Today you can pick out the low circular outline of the fountain’s foundations just beside the Arch of Constantine—an understated ring that still maps the geometry of the ancient basin. Although only a low ring survives, it’s placement still marks the hinge between the Colosseum and the road into the Forum.

SOURCES:

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Colosseum Underground Photos

Colosseum Rome Tickets — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 12:45:41 +0000

We regularly visit Colosseum Underground Arena and take photos. In addition, there are photos that we have not published before. You can see the photos (Hypogeum-Underground of Colosseum) we regularly publish on this page.

You can send your “Colosseum Underground Photos” Pictures & Photos to info@colosseumrometickets.com . We are happy to publish.

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Hypogeum of Colosseum

Colosseum Rome Tickets — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 12:39:37 +0000

Have you ever wondered what secrets lay hidden beneath the Colosseum’s arena floor? The Hypogeum is the vast underground substructure of the Colosseum – essentially the backstage area where the magic behind ancient Rome’s grand spectacles happened. Built roughly a decade after the Colosseum’s inauguration by Emperor Domitian (around 90 AD), the Hypogeum (a term meaning “underground” in Greek) was constructed once the Romans decided to stop flooding the arena for mock naval battles. In the Colosseum’s early years, the arena could be filled with water for extravagant ship combats, but Domitian’s addition of the Hypogeum put an end to those aquatic shows in favor of more elaborate land performances.

Underground of the Colosseum, the oval amphitheater used for gladiatorial contests and battles

Design and Structure

The Hypogeum consisted of a two-level network of tunnels, passages, and chambers built with stone and brick masonry beneath the wooden arena floor. It essentially formed a labyrinthine underground complex divided by two main corridors and many cross-passageways.Countless rooms and cells were constructed without windows or proper ventilation, creating a dark, stuffy environment below the arena. This made the work of the hundreds of slaves down there even more challenging. In many ways it was like the backstage of a grand theater – except it was hidden under the floor and filled with dangerous animals and anxious fighters. The arena’s wooden floor above was covered in sand (in fact, the Latin word for sand, harena, gives us the word “arena”) to absorb blood and provide grip. Underneath that sandy floor lay all of the Hypogeum’s secrets.

Operations and Mechanisms

Within these cramped service corridors, a small army of workers labored to run the spectacles smoothly. By torchlight, slaves operated an array of elevators, pulleys, winches, and trapdoors that allowed gladiators, animals, and scenery to be lifted into the arena as if by magic. Approximately 80 vertical shafts were built into the Hypogeum structure, enabling instant access to the arena from below. At a moment’s notice, stagehands could hoist up a cage and send a hungry lion or tiger roaring through a trapdoor into the spotlight. Picture the scene: the crowd gasping as a ferocious beast suddenly appeared from beneath the floor – it must have felt like a special effect in the ancient world.

There were also larger freight elevators for heavier loads, operated by teams of men turning great wooden winches called capstans. These robust lifts could even bring up massive set pieces or even elephants for the most spectacular processions. All that complex machinary was powered entirely by human muscle and clever engineering hidden under the arena. (It’s hard not to marvel at the ingenuity – and also the brutality – that went into these productions.)

The archways inside the Colosseum, Rome

Gladiators and Underground Life

The animals weren’t the only ones waiting below the arena. The Hypogeum also contained preparation and holding areas for the gladiators themselves. A tunnel on the east side of the amphitheater connected the Colosseum to the Ludus Magnus – the largest gladiator training school in Rome – allowing fighters to arrive directly into the arena complex from their barracks. Through this passage, gladiators would enter the amphitheater away from the public’s view. They emerged into the sunlight through the Porta Triumphalis (Gate of Triumph) when it was time to fight, often rising up in wooden elevators to make a dramatic entrance. After the battles, wounded gladiators could be whisked back into the Hypogeum and taken to a chamber known as the Sanitarium, essentially a field hospital, where medics tended to their injuries. The organizers had a vested interest in patching up skilled fighters so they could fight another day – they didn’t want their best combatants dying each time they fought.

Roman authorities also took precautions to maintain strict order in this subterranean world. Ever since the infamous rebellion led by Spartacus decades earlier, officials were wary of armed fighters banding together against them. It’s likely that heavy security and careful oversight were enforced whenever gladiators moved through the tunnels or waited below, to prevent any plots of escape or uprising. The Colosseum’s underground was tightly controlled – a tense, high-stakes environment for everyone involved, not just those about to step into combat.

Rediscovery and Excavation

Long after the last gladiatorial games were held in the Colosseum (by the 5th century AD), the Hypogeum was abandoned and gradually buried by debris. Over the centuries, the underground structure filled up with earth and rubble, and its very existence faded from memory. It wasn’t until the 19th century that archaeologists began to excavate this area to uncover what lay beneath the arena. Early attempts in the 1800s faced setbacks – in 1813 and 1874, digs were halted by flooding groundwater – but finally, in the 1930s, a major excavation under Benito Mussolini’s direction succeeded in fully clearing the subterranean complex.

Workers removed some 40 feet of soil to expose the long-hidden corridors and chambers. Today the the Hypogeum stands in ruins but is clearly visible, allowing us to appreciate the engineering genius of ancient Rome. Its empty passageways and reconstructed platforms serve as a haunting reminder of the human drama that once unfolded below the arena floor.

Passageways of the Hypogeum:

1- The Gate of Life: This was the main passage for gladiators to enter the Colosseum and, for the fortunate, the route to exit alive. Gladiators stepped into the arena through this gate, and victors would later depart through it back to their barracks. This tunnel also provided access to several important facilities:
a. Sanitarium – an infirmary where wounded gladiators received medical care.
b. Ludus Magnus – the “Great School”, which was the largest gladiator training school adjacent to the Colosseum.
c. Ludus Matutinus – the “Morning School”, a training center for beast-fighters (*bestiarii*) who battled wild animals (so named because beast hunts were often held in the morning).
d. Ludus Dacius – a gladiator school dedicated to fighters from Dacia or those who fought in a Dacian style.
e. Ludus Gallicus – a gladiator school focused on Gallic warriors and fighting techniques.

2- The Libitinarian Gate (Gate of Death): This was the tunnel used to remove gladiators who had fallen in combat. Named after Libitina, the goddess of funerals, it was the somber passage through which corpses were carried out of the arena. Connected to this gate were two key areas:
a. Spoliarium – the chamber where the bodies of dead gladiators were taken to be stripped of their armor and weapons (the Romans would salvage armor as valuable equipment).
b. Armamentarium – the armory where weapons and armor were stored and maintained.

3- Passaggio di Commodus: This was a special private passage created for Emperor Commodus, who infamously took part in the games himself. The tunnel allowed Commodus to move to and from the arena securely and out of sight of the public. In essence, it was his VIP entrance to the Colosseum, used on occasions when the Emperor donned armor and stepped into the arena to perform (albeit under carefully controlled conditions).

4- Summum Choragium Tunnel: The fourth major tunnel led to the Summum Choragium – essentially the main workshop and storage area for the Colosseum’s performances. This is where stage sets, props, and other equipment were prepared and kept. The passage allowed crew members to transport scenery and machinery in and out of the arena efficiently. In modern terms, it was like the backstage equipment room, ensuring that elaborate sets and special apparatus could be brought in for the next spectacle.

Hypogeum of Colosseum Photos:

Hypogeum of Colosseum Tours & Tickets:

Official

Official Colosseum Underground and Arena Ticket

Gates of the Colosseum at Sperone Valadier

from €24.00 EUR
Closest Date: All tickets are sold out
Validity: 2 Days
Seller: Parco archeologico del Colosseo

Embark on a journey through the Colosseum, starting with the Arena—a site of legendary battles and spectacles. Feel the echoes of history underfoot, where gladiators once clashed in the que […]

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Didactic Visit: Official Colosseum Underground Tour

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from €32.00 EUR
Closest Date: All tickets are sold out
Duration: 1 h. 15 Min.
Seller: Parco archeologico del Colosseo

Rome, the Eternal City, offers a voyage back in time to the zenith of the Roman Empire, with the Colosseum standing as a monumental testament to ancient engineering and entertainment. The C […]

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from €80.00 EUR
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Organized by: Rome with Silvia
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Cavour 301

from €179.00 EUR
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Organized by: Trajan Tours
785 Reviews

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Piazza del Arco di Costantino

from €53.00 EUR
Duration: 3 Hours
Organized by: The Ultimate Italy
11.368 Reviews

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from €99.00 EUR
Duration: 3 Hours
Organized by: Tours of Rome SRLS
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Begin your captivating exploration by meeting your professional guide at the designated spot just outside Rome's iconic Colosseum. As the tour commences, step into the majestic amphitheater […]

Guided Tour: Colosseum Underground and Arena Floor

58 Piazza del Colosseo

from €126.00 EUR
Duration: 3 Hours
Max group size: Limited to 24 participants
Organized by: How is Rome SRL
1.523 Reviews

Step into a gripping chapter of Rome’s history with our exclusive Colosseum Underground and Arena Floor tour. Limited to intimate groups of just 24 guests, this carefully curated experience […]

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from €63.00 EUR
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Organized by: Atlas Tours and Experiences
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from €63.00 EUR
Duration: 75 Minutes – 3 Hours
Organized by: The Ultimate Italy
4.679 Reviews

Immerse yourself in the majesty of ancient Rome on this comprehensive tour that grants you exclusive access to the legendary Colosseum, including its underground chambers, the awe-inspiring […]

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Exclusive Colosseum Restricted Areas Tour: Arena and Underground

Piazza del Arco di Costantino

from €135.00 EUR
Duration: 3 Hours
Max group size: Limited to 6 participants
Organized by: Eyes of Rome Private Tours
649 Reviews

Explore the hidden treasures of Rome on our extraordinary semi-private tour, restricted to only 6 guests. Uncover the mysteries of the Colosseum's underground levels, arena, and Roman Forum […]

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Colosseum Underground Private Tour

Piazza del Arco di Costantino

from €475.00 EUR
Duration: 3 hours
Organized by: Eyes of Rome Private Tours
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Embark on an exclusive and immersive journey through Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Our private tour offers a detailed exploration of the Colosseum, including its mysterious underground cham […]

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Panoramic Views of Colosseum

Colosseum Rome Tickets — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 11:44:52 +0000

Have you ever paused on Palatine Hill and felt the city unfold beneath your feet, as though the very stones were whispering ancient secrets? That sweeping sensation—the Colosseum framed by drifting clouds, the Roman Forum spilling out beside it—is exactly what a true panorama captures. Wide‑angle images, stitched stitches of time, let modern eyes roam across a two‑thousand‑year‑old arena almost the way gladiators once did from the sand.

Top Vantage Points for a Colosseum Panorama

Spot	Perspective	Best Time
Palatine Hill overlook	Elevated southeast angle encompassing the arena and Arch of Constantine	Early morning glow
Oppio Hill gardens (Giardinetto del Colle Oppio)	Lush foreground foliage juxtaposed with elliptical arches	Golden hour
Vittoriano Terrace	Broad skyline including the Capitoline, domes of Monti, and the Colosseum bowing on the horizon	Late afternoon
Via Nicola Salvi balcony	Close‑range wrap‑around view ideal for night exposures	Blue hour
Monti neighborhood rooftops	Off‑beat urban frame; terracotta chimneys meet travertine stone	Sunset

We regularly visit Colosseum and take photos. In addition, there are photos that we have not published before. You can see the photos (Panoramic Views of Colosseum) we regularly publish on this page. You can send your “Panoramic Views of Colosseum” Pictures & Photos to info@colosseumrometickets.com . We are happy to publish.

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Colosseum Aerial Views

Colosseum Rome Tickets — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 07:52:22 +0000

Exploring Rome without witnessing the magnificence of the Colosseum from a bird’s-eye perspective feels somewhat incomplete, doesn’t it? While most travelers experience its grandeur from ground level, aerial views offer an entirely fresh, captivating angle. Regularly capturing this ancient marvel from above allows us to share unique visuals that many visitors might otherwise miss.

Our collection of aerial photographs showcases different perspectives, lighting conditions, and times of day, each frame highlighting details often overlooked. Have you ever noticed how the Colosseum’s shadow dances across the Roman Forum at sunset, or how its elliptical structure beautifully contrasts with the sprawling cityscape surrounding it? Such details become vivid and intriguing from the sky.

If you’ve recently visited Rome and captured stunning aerial shots of the Colosseum, we’d love to include them in our ongoing gallery. Feel free to share your Colosseum aerial pictures and photos by sending them directly to info@colosseumrometickets.com. We’re always excited to feature new perspectives contributed by fellow explorers.

Aerial closeup of the Colosseum in Rome

aerial of the Colosseum with Palatine Hill in the background Rome Italy

Aerial shot of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy (2)

Aerial shot of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy

Aerial view of Colosseum at sunny day. Rome, Italy

Aerial view of the Colosseum, known as Amphitheatrum Flavium, symbol of the city of Rome, of Italy and one of the seven wonders of the world. In ancient times it was used for gladiatorial shows.

Colosseum – Aerial View

Roman Colosseum from Drone view

Recommended Activities:

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Colosseum under the Snow

Colosseum Rome Tickets — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 06:57:31 +0000

The Flavian Amphitheatre, popularly known as the Colosseum, remains an iconic symbol of ancient Rome, immediately recognizable worldwide. But have you ever witnessed its grandeur blanketed by snow?

Constructed by merging two theaters into a unified elliptical form, the amphitheatre earned its descriptive name precisely from its shape—‘amphi’ meaning two or both sides. While today’s visitors admire the arena’s imposing stone arches and intricate passageways, fewer recall the original source of the name “Colosseum”, tied to a once-magnificent bronze statue of Emperor Nero. This colossal sculpture, now vanished into history, was erected adjacent to the amphitheatre during Nero’s ambitious reign (54-68 AD). The emperor had commissioned the gleaming golden figure to embellish his lavish Domus Aurea palace complex, adding yet another layer of opulence to his already extravagant image.

When snowfall gently covers Rome—an uncommon yet enchanting occurrence—the Colosseum transforms into a spectacular sight. Soft layers of snow delicately highlight the ancient structure’s powerful lines and arches, offering a rare and photogenic juxtaposition of history and nature. Isn’t there something almost magical about viewing ancient ruins through the serene filter of snow?

Visiting the Colosseum during such times provides photographers and travelers with unique opportunities. We regularly document these fleeting moments, capturing striking photographs that reveal a different perspective of Rome’s most celebrated monument. Our collection includes previously unpublished snapshots, showcasing the Colosseum’s quiet beauty beneath a fresh layer of snow.

Do you also have captivating images of the Colosseum draped in winter’s embrace? We’d love for you to share them with us. You can send your Colosseum under snow pictures to info@colosseumrometickets.com, and we’d be delighted to feature your captures alongside ours.

Imagine strolling around Rome on a crisp winter morning, camera in hand, waiting for just the right moment when sunlight meets snow atop the ancient stones. Moments like these, rare and fleeting, provide memories and photographs that truly stand apart.

Activities for your Trip:

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Colosseum Night Tour

Colosseum Rome Tickets — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 13:30:09 +0000

Most visitors see the Colosseum during the day, when it’s crowded and bustling. A standard daytime ticket (€18, valid for two days) grants access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill – but not to special areas like the Underground or the upper tiers. (Note: entry is free on the first Sunday of each month, but the crowds on those days are enormous.)

By contrast, visiting the Colosseum at night offers a more exclusive and relaxed experience. The Colosseum Night Tour is a special after-hours guided visit when the monument is beautifully illuminated and nearly empty. You explore the ancient amphitheater with a limited group of people, almost feeling like you have the Colosseum to yourself. It’s an unforgettable way to see this iconic landmark from a new perspective.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant history of Rome, brought to life under the shimmering moonlight with the exclusive Colosseum Night Tour. This unique nocturnal experience offers you the opportunity to discover the enigmatic allure of the world’s largest amphitheater in an entirely different light – quite literally.

Official Colosseum Night Tour (Una Notte al Colosseo)

The official night tour of the Colosseum — known in Italian as Una Notte al Colosseo (“A Night at the Colosseum”) — is a one-hour guided tour offered on select evenings. In 2025, for example, these tours run every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 p.m. to midnight (last admission at 10:30 p.m.). During the tour, an authorized guide leads you through the Colosseum’s arena floor and the underground tunnels, sharing insights about the spectacles, gladiators, and engineering marvels of the arena. Note: Unlike daytime tickets, the night tour only covers the Colosseum (you won’t visit the Forum or Palatine Hill on this tour). On the plus side, you can access areas (like the underground) that are normally restricted to VIP or guided visits.

Official Colosseum Night Tour: Una Notte Al Colosseo. What could feel more privileged than roaming a 2,000‑year‑old arena almost alone?

Booking for Una Notte al Colosseo is only available via the official Colosseum ticketing website. Tickets are released just 7 days in advance of each tour date, and they often sell out within hours – especially for the English-language tours. (Tours are usually offered in English, with less frequent options in Italian and Spanish. Non-English tours tend to have slightly more availability.)

Ticket Prices: The official night tour costs €50 per adult (which includes the special Full Experience entry + guided tour). EU youth aged 18–25 get a discounted rate (around €28 total), and children under 18 have free entry to the Colosseum itself. However, under-18s still need to be booked on a guided tour, so a minor fee may apply for the guided portion (the official site indicates children under 6 are completely free, and older children/youth pay about €26 for the guide). Each person can reserve a maximum of 4 tickets.

If you’re looking for a nighttime Colosseum experience and can’t get an official tour ticket, don’t worry – there are several excellent after-hours Colosseum tours run by private companies. These often include the same highlights (arena floor and underground access), but with their own twist. Some start with a walking tour of nearby ancient sites by twilight, others might include a wine aperitivo. We’ve curated the best Colosseum night tour alternatives below for you to compare.

The night tours we have compiled for you are as follows**.

**Update for today: As of December 04, 2025, official Colosseum night tour tickets are off-season. The section regarding night tours was removed from the official Colosseum website on November 28, 2025. This indicates that official night tours are now out of season. Based on schedules from previous years and 2025, we anticipate that night tours will resume around May 2026. We will continue to monitor the situation daily for any announcements. Alternatively, we recommend checking out evening tours and other available options.

Official

Official Colosseum Night Tour: A Night at the Colosseum

Colosseum

from €50.00 EUR
Closest Date: Out of Season
Seller: Parco archeologico del Colosseo

Stepping into Rome's iconic Colosseum after dusk invites an entirely unique perspective, distinct from the bustling daytime visits. Imagine wandering beneath moonlit arches, hearing echoes […]

Colosseum Underground by Night Guided Tour (1.5 hours)

58 Piazza del Colosseo

from €185.00 EUR
Duration: 1.5 hours
Organized by: Rome with Silvia
13 Reviews

Have you ever stepped into the Colosseum when the crowds and tour buses have melted away, when the moon turns travertine the color of old amber? Night is when the amphitheater feels closest […]

Colosseum Sunset Tour

Basilica of the Saints Cosmas and Damian

from €45.00 EUR (per person)
Duration: 1 hour
Organized by: Rome Tours
1.192 Reviews

Rome, a city that wears its history like a crown, is not just about daytime explorations. We invite you to witness the iconic Colosseum under the dramatic hues of sunset, an experience that […]

Colosseum Twilight Tour

41.892407, 12.492319

from €54.00 EUR
Duration: 2 hours
Seller: Crown Tours
1.106 Reviews

Unveiling the obscured enigmas of Rome's forgotten epoch can be an exhilarating adventure. It's as if we're time-traveling on a twilight journey that spans from the majestic Colosseum to th […]

What to Expect on a Colosseum Night Tour

So, what precisely changes once daylight disappears and the gates close behind our small group?

A Tranquil, Crowd-Free Visit: At night, the usual throngs of tourists are gone. Tours are capped at around 25 people, so you won’t be jostling through crowds. You’ll wander through the quiet corridors and stands, soaking up the atmosphere at your own pace. It’s easy to find a moment to imagine the roar of 50,000 spectators in the near-silence of the night.
Exclusive Underground Access: Night tours grant you special access to areas normally closed in regular visits. You’ll descend into the Colosseum’s underground chambers, walking the same passageways where gladiators prepared for battle and animals were held before contests. Dim lighting and fewer visitors make this portion even more atmospheric and thrilling.
Walk on the Arena Floor: Step out onto the reconstructed arena stage where gladiators once fought. Standing at the center of the Colosseum under the night sky is a goosebump-inducing experience. You can look up at the seating tiers and truly envision how this space was used in its heyday. (Great spot for a photo, too!)
Expert Guided Insight: With a small group, your guide can give more personal attention, answer questions, and delve into fascinating stories. Without the daytime noise, it’s actually easier to hear the guide and absorb the history. You’ll learn about the Colosseum’s construction, the events that took place, and even some myths and legends associated with it.
Stunning Nighttime Views: The Colosseum illuminated at night is simply magical. The play of light and shadow on the ancient stone creates a dramatic scene. Whether you’re atop a tier looking at the moonlit arches or outside the Colosseum seeing it glow from a distance, the visual is spectacular. (Tip: after your tour, take a moment to walk around the exterior — the perimeter arches lit up against the dark sky make for an amazing photo.)

Details from Colosseum Night Tour: The Colosseum at moonlight.

A night photography of the interior of the Colosseum clearly showing the underfloor tunnels

Colosseum by night tour, details.

Early Morning Tour: A Peaceful Alternative

If a night tour isn’t available, the next best thing is an early morning Colosseum tour. This option offers a similar advantage of exploring with minimal crowds. Imagine entering the Colosseum right after dawn, as the city wakes up. The morning light bathes the arena floor and tunnels in a golden hue, and the air is cool. With far fewer visitors around (the site only gradually reaches its 3,000-person capacity later in the morning), you’ll find it easy to admire details and take unobstructed photos. Who wouldn’t trade one hour of sleep for a sunrise unhindered by crowds?

Colosseum Early Morning Tour (Semi-Private Group)

Via del Colosseo, number 24

from €114.00 EUR
Duration: 1.5 hours (Express Tour)
Organized by: LivTours
7 Reviews

Imagine starting your day not amid bustling crowds, but with a calm exploration of Rome's iconic Colosseum as the city gently stirs awake. Our Early Morning Colosseum Tour offers exclusive […]

Much like the night tour, an early morning visit is unhurried and intimate. You avoid both the crowds and the midday heat. Many early-access tours also use skip-the-line entry, so you breeze right in. The experience of standing in the Colosseum at sunrise, virtually calm and quiet, can be just as enchanting as a nighttime visit. If you’re an early bird — or if you couldn’t get a night tour ticket — consider the dawn tour for a quieter, cooler, yet equally memorable Colosseum experience.

Top 5 Reasons to Experience Rome at Night (Beyond the Colosseum)

Rome isn’t just the Colosseum, of course. The whole city comes alive in a different way after dark. Here are five great reasons to explore Rome by night:

The Colosseum’s Nighttime Magic: We’ve covered this in detail – it’s arguably the number one night experience in Rome. The Colosseum takes on a haunting beauty under the moon and spotlights. Even if you see it by day, seeing it at night is worth it for the ambiance alone. It’s cooler, calmer, and utterly romantic in its grandeur.
Vatican Museums by Night: The Vatican City is usually packed with tourists in the daytime (especially around St. Peter’s Square and the Sistine Chapel). On select evenings—often Fridays in the warmer months, and on certain before‑sunrise dates designated by the Vatican authorities—the Vatican Museums offer extended opening hours, including the Sistine Chapel; St. Peter’s Basilica is a separate visit. Touring the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel at night means far fewer people around the masterpieces. You can actually stand back and enjoy the Raphael Rooms or Michelangelo’s frescoes without a crush of tour groups. The art feels almost more reverent in the quiet of evening. If you love art and history, a Vatican night tour is a must.
Night Strolls and Gelato: Rome’s streets and piazzas bustle after dark; central areas feel safe on well‑lit routes. Locals partake in the evening passeggiata (stroll along pedestrian streets). Walk Trastevere,Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps), Via del Corso, or Piazza Navona in the late evening (suits couples and families). Street musicians play, fountains are lit up, and you can pop into cafes or gelaterias that stay open late. Shopping is more relaxed too – many shops don’t close until 8-9 p.m., so you can browse without the daytime rush or heat.
Trevi Fountain at Night: The Trevi Fountain is undeniably one of Rome’s top sights. Visiting it at night is a completely different experience. (ideally around 10 pm) The fountain is artfully illuminated, making the marble sculptures of Oceanus and his Tritons gleam. There’s usually a smaller crowd compared to midday, so you can actually get close to the basin, toss your coin, and perhaps sit on a step to enjoy the view. The sound of the water and the glow of the lights create a dreamy atmosphere. Many say the Trevi Fountain is most beautiful at night, and I’d agree.
Piazza Navona & City Squares after Dark: Piazza Navona, with its Baroque fountains and lively atmosphere, is fantastic at night. Artists and vendors are often still around, and the restaurants and wine bars that line the piazza are humming. The Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini is lit, highlighting its dramatic sculptures. Similarly, places like the Pantheon’s plaza or Piazza del Popolo are charming in the evening, free from the day’s harsh light and heat. You’ll discover why Rome is called the Eternal City – it’s full of life well into the night.

Piazza Navona by night, Rome, Italy

Rome After Dark – A Different City

Rome truly has a dual personality. By day, it’s bustling with sightseeing, traffic, and tour groups; by night, it becomes a more leisurely paradise where both locals and visitors can relax. Many iconic landmarks are beautifully lit up – not just the Colosseum, but also St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant’Angelo, the Victor Emmanuel Monument, and more. You might even stumble upon outdoor concerts, theater performances in old ruins, or simply enjoy how neighborhoods like Monti or Campo de’ Fiori transition into evening hangout spots.

Castel Sant’Angelo by night – Rome Night Tours

There’s no single “best” time to explore Rome – day and night each offer unique experiences, and the Colosseum night tour is one of those experiences that can be the highlight of your trip. If you can, do the Colosseum by night, and spend other evenings discovering different corners of Rome under the stars. You’ll understand why locals adore the nightly passeggiata, and you’ll see Rome in a whole new light (literally!).

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Seating in the Colosseum

Colosseum Rome Tickets — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 00:11:30 +0000

Since the games were public spectacles, entrance was free. However, people needed tickets. The entry tickets told them which entrance to use and where to sit. Each arched entrance had a number carved above it. The number was matched to the entry ticket.

The design of Colosseum was so clever that fifty thousand hurrying people could enter, show their entry tickets, and be seated in 15 minutes.

The stands were divided into sections according to precise social categories. Emperor Augustus carefully regulated the separation of the different classes at all public spectacles.

Colosseum, reconstructed section showing how the cavea was divided. Contemporary engineers still marvel at the design: in effect, the Colosseum worked like a human centrifuge, spinning people to their allotted rings with barely a pause.

Sections of the Colosseum (Maeniaum)

1 – Ima Cavea (Auditorium)

This part was reserved for the Emperor, the Senators, Vestal Virgins and the equites.
Senators’ full names were written specially on their seats.
Sometimes in this section the magistracies, ambassadors, diplomats, school teachers and their students from noble families ( the Pontifices) were also hosted.
The Emperor would sit on the place on which now you can see a cross in order to the Christians that died in Colosseum. There was an Imperial Box which was called the “Cubiculum” in which he would use his own chair – the bisellium.
There were four marble steps.
There were latrines in this section.
A fence was stretched around the outside of the arena and rollers & high nets were also hung to protect the spectators.
Gravediggers, actors and farmer gladiators were not allowed to watch the games.

Flavian Amphitheater, interior. East section of the senatorial podium as reconstructed in the 1930’s. Four broad marble steps at arena level held Rome’s decision-makers. Senators occupied seats inscribed with their full names, while the emperor watched from his curtained cubiculum, reclining on a portable bisellium.

2- Maenianum Primum

This section had 8/9 marble terraces.
Generally equites would use this part.

2-a. Maenianum Secundum Imum

This section had 19/20 terraces.
This part seperated for the ordinary citizens and plebeians.

2-b Maenianum Secundum Summum

It had numbered sections.
There were 10/11 terraces which were selected for poor plebeians.

4-Maenianum Secundum in Ligneis

This section was added during the reign of Domitian.
It was also known as attic.
It would host the lowest class of people and slaves.
These 10/11 wooden terraces would also reduce the stress on the external walls.

Flavian Amphitheater, interior. The service gallery and the inscription regarding the restoration of the stands in the middle of the fifth century A. D. Names of senators are carved on the other side

Brick structure that supported the seating terraces over tunnels and walkways that once held tigers and gladiators under the floor of the Colosseum

«Having been outraged by the insult to a senator who, at a crowded show in Puteoli, had not been offered a seat by anyone, [Augustus] ordered regulations to prevent the disorderly and haphazard distribution of seats. He had a senatorial decree issued providing that at every public performance the front row of seats be reserved for senators. He separated soldiers from civilians. He assigned special seats to married commoners and a special section to boys not yet come of age, as well as one to their tutors nearby. He banned badly dressed spectators from the best seats, and confined women to the highest rows, whereas they had previously sat together with men.
He assigned a separate section, facing the praetor’s box, to the Vestal Virgins. He did not allow any women at all to watch athletic contests. Indeed, when the crowd called for a boxing match during the Pontifical Games he postponed it until the following morning, and he issued an edict announcing that he did not want women to go to the theater before ten o‘clock»
(Suetonius, August, 44, 3-4).

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