Complete immersion in the most iconic monument of ancient Rome
As known, in Italy, and more precisely in Rome, there is one of the most famous tourist attractions from all over the world: the Colosseum, the most significant Roman amphitheater of all time, the symbol of ancient Rome’s power throughout the Western world which every year attracts 5 million visitors. In 1980, with the entire historic center of Rome, the extraterritorial areas of the Vatican in Italy, and the Basilica of St. Paul outside the walls, it was included in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. At the same time, in 2007 it was the only European monument to be included among the New Seven Wonders of the World. Together with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill represent the archaeological complex where the imposing remains of the ancient Romans are found but also traces of the passage of many eras of Western civilization. Walks Inside Rome through Private or Small Group Colosseum Tours has the right way to go for an exciting experience for the whole family.
The beating heart of ancient Roman life
Called by the ancient Romans “Anphitheatrum Flavium” (Flavian Amphitheater), the Colosseum is the most famous and impressive monument of Ancient Rome and the largest amphitheater in the world. This name is undoubtedly linked to the large size of the building but derives, above all, from the fact that nearby there was a colossal bronze statue of Emperor Nero. It is possible to appreciate the grandeur of the monument already from the outside. The best way to admire its colossal size is to access the Colosseum from Via dei Fori Imperiali and have a superb view of the best-preserved facade, especially at night when the monument is beautifully illuminated and you can take wonderful photos to be reviewed together with friends and relatives once at home.
The majestic monument – 86 meters long and 54 meters wide – was built between 72 and 80 AD during the reign of the emperors Vespasian and Titus to accommodate about 60,000 people. It was used to entertain crowds with fights between gladiators, fights with wild animals, hunting shows, executions of prisoners, and also games of water and other representative public shows of the time. Made of marble and limestone, the structure has since been damaged by earthquakes and various looting but remains an impressive vestige of the magnificence of ancient Rome.
Relive the wonder of ancient Rome
The influence of ancient Rome can still be felt throughout the Western world – in government, engineering, architecture, language, and literature. Your journey towards discovering it starts at the Colosseum. Thanks to certain films like “Gladiator” that have been around the world, we know it well but it is evident that being there and being able to feel the energy and history that is stored there is not the same. But what can you see inside it? Which parts are accessible to the public?
The Colosseum rises between Palatine Hill, Celian Hill, and Oppian Hill. The building has an elliptical plan, externally made up of a triple colonnade of eighty travertine arches which are framed by Doric-Tuscan style semi-columns on the lower floor, Ionic style on the second level, and Corinthian style on the third. The structure was built on four floors in all different styles and the spectators were seated according to their social rank: the emperor and the senators took their seats on the 1st floor (Doric style), the wealthy citizens on the 2nd floor (Ionic style) and the 3rd floor (Corinthian style) was reserved to common people. A large veil was fixed on the top floor which once covered part of the amphitheater and is no longer open to visitors. Although the Colosseum has 80 entrances, today it can only be accessed from the south side. The visit to the Colosseum starts on the 2nd floor, the arena.
The arena floor consisted of a wooden floor covered with sand. And it is on this ground, which no longer exists, that the gladiator fights took place. Below you will see the Hypogeum, a tunnel system where training rooms, wild animal cages, and death row prisoners once stood. The wooden floor could be removed and the pit filled with water, which is how they organized small naval battles in the middle of the Colosseum.
With your local guide, in small groups or alone, after listening to an initial introductory explanation of the Colosseum, its stories and anecdotes, you will explore every corner of the interior and learn the importance of the history of the men who fought in the arenas and the emperors who ruled them. You will be able to move and relive the footsteps of the past by simply closing your eyes and imagining everything that happened there a long time ago.
Colosseum tours in the company of an English-speaking archaeology guide, thanks to priority access with scheduled entrance ticket reservations, also include those that allow you to access the arena, explore the underground or make a night visit:
- Colosseum and Ancient Rome Tour with Gladiators’ Gate for Small Group
- VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Ancient Rome for Private and Semi-Private
- Ancient and Christian Rome Tour for Private
- Classic Ancient Rome and Colosseum Tour with Arena Floor for Private
- Colosseum and Ancient Rome Tour for Private
- Colosseum and St. Clemente Tour for Private
- Express Arena Floor Colosseum for Private
- VIP Colosseum tour
- Gladiators and Roman Emperors for kids for Private
- Roman Shore Excursion: Colosseum and Private Cooking Class for Private
- Triple the Rome Shore Excursion: Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, and Private Cooking Class for Private
- True Roman Experience: Colosseum and Private Cooking Class for Private
Walks Inside Rome takes you on Colosseum tours
Since 1999, Walks Inside Rome has offered exciting, engaging, and educational travel services and private and small group guided tours both for first-time visitors and seasoned explorers giving them a much more personalized experience at just the right pace.
We have cultivated excellent connections throughout Rome and Italy to help you unlock Italy’s rich history and culture with our knowledgeable and kid-friendly licensed English-speaking guides, including art historians, archaeologists, and food and wine lovers to provide our clients with the highest quality tours and experiences.
We are open 7 days a week. Contact us for any questions and more information about our tours, fill out the form on our website, send us an email, call us or chat with us on WhatsApp. We look forward to welcoming you soon to Rome!
