Say Rome to most people and they’ll think of all sorts of things – great food, stunning architecture and fascinating history. For sure, it’s got to go on your bucket-list. There’s loads to see and do in the Italian capital – you can do most things in a day but a longer city break would the best option to absorb all that Rome offers.

Rome is home, of course, to one of the New Wonders of the World – the Colosseum, or the Colosseo, as it’s known locally. And if you’re in town, it’s well worth a visit. Here’s all you need to know about landmark that’s known the world over.

It’s a ‘wow’ attraction

It may not be in perfect condition, but what’s left of Rome’s Colosseum is still awe-inspiring. The massive, dominating structure is one of the New Wonders of the World – having been voted for by 90 million people. A team of experts had a good think about it and decided it was a ‘masterpiece of unquestionable value’ – loved by Romans and visitors alike.

When you walk up to the Colosseum, you won’t fail to be stunned. Standing beside it, you can really imagine what it would have been like in its day, and the sounds that would have come from it. The round structure could bring in massive crowds around its central arena.

Not just big – it’s the largest of its kind

In its day, the Colosseum had four rows with 80 arcades. Each one of those had 70,000 seats. Imagine how many people altogether. The best way to get an idea of this is to take a Colosseum Arena Floor tour.

It’s the largest amphitheater in the world. A huge monument, that’s gone on to remain a symbol of Rome’s past. And it’s why so many visitors flock to it every year to see this wonder of ancient architecture – and why it’s also so loved by modern day Romans as well.

The famous gladiators…

Go to the Colosseum and you’ll no doubt see a gladiator or two – well, not real ones, but guys dressed up as them, and who are happy to pose for a tourist photo if you line their hand with euros. They’re a symbol of the Colosseum’s lively and infamous past.

The Flavian Amphitheatre, which was built by Emperor Vespasian, was where games happened in ancient Rome. Of course, they were the scene of gladiator fights. These usually involved prisoners of war or slaves – the aim was to win their freedom.

There were also re-enactments of naval battles on artificial lakes. Julius Caesar first brought up the idea, but it was Titus who first brought the display to the Colosseum – with water coming into the arena and outside of it. 

Getting there

You’ll find the Colosseum at Piazza del Colosseo 1 in Rome and it’s open every day. You can reach it by taking a bus, there are many of them so check local listings. You can also take Tram number 3 and Metro Line B, to the ‘Colosseo’ stop.