A blend of ancient ruins, awe-inspiring art and vibrant culture, there is no doubt that Rome is an exhilarating place to visit! From its famous tourist sites to its off-the-beaten-path delights, it’s guaranteed that every visitor can find a hidden treasure around every corner. On my travels to Italy, I fell in love with Rome, in particular with its ancient sights with impressive stories behind them.
Visiting the Colosseum
Undoubtedly on the top of your bucket list when visiting Rome is the Colosseum. Back in its heyday, it was the mighty stadium to the ancient Romans. They built it in 69 A.D. commissioned by the Titus Flavius Vespasian, the Emperor of the Roman Empire. At the time the city was in ruins, and Emperor Titus commissioned the stadium as a gift to the citizens. It was an immediate success, hosting gruesome and entertaining events such as the Chariot racing, animal fights, and of course the iconic gladiator games.
What makes the Colosseum such a significant site is due to its majestic architecture. It is visually the most recognisable landmark in the entire world, second to the pyramids. Measuring up to 190 by 155 meters, the stadium was the largest amphitheater in existence at the time of its completion. Despite its age, it still is incredibly preserved, due to it’s stone and concrete structure.
How to see it?
From the outside
Not much for crowds? You don’t have to be up close and personal with the Colosseum to enjoy its extraordinary beauty. Seeing as it is one of the chief sites on Rome’s horizon. Simply visit one of the many restaurants along Piazza del Colosseum, and enjoy dinner and drinks on a rooftop terrace. Guaranteeing you a spectacular sunset and a view overlooking the Colosseum.
By Yourself
Are you a solo traveller? Prefer discovering the sites on your own? Before you head off in seek of adventure, it’s a good idea to work out the best way to see the Colosseum first.
Booking Tickets in Advance
Tickets and wait time can stretch out to excruciating magnitudes. So, it’s better to book prior to getting there, with the online option best. When buying a ticket to the Colosseum, you will automatically purchase entry to the Forum as well, as the only option available is a combo ticket. As the Colosseum and Forum are right next to each other, it’s easy to travel from one to the next, but make sure you allow at least an hour at each.
Open ticket or Timed Entry
If purchasing an ‘open’ ticket, you are able to visit at a certain stretch of time. For the Forum, you can visit at any time of the day, as long as it is within opening times. However, for the Colosseum, you are only able to visit from 2pm onwards.
If you choose the timed entry ticket, you must only enter at a certain time in the day. Letting guests choose a specific slot to fast track the line. However, if you are traveling with children, child tickets do not support the timed entry.
With a Tour
Skip the lines and the stress that comes with it! With many of the tours available offering a skip the line inclusion. The added bonus of this, of course, is having your very own professional guide wandering around with you. Giving you a better insight into the history and incredible facts of the ancient Colosseum. All you need to do is simply purchase the ticket prior to the date! However, this usually locks you in for a full day of touring, so make sure you have the endurance and walking shoes that’ll be crucial.
Check out Rome City Tour for their amazing tours!
Other Attractions Worth Seeing
The Roman Forum
Nestled between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills was once the city center for Ancient Rome. Nowadays, the region is covered in dust, with crumbling buildings and broken statues. The story of how this once thriving city center fell is a thought-provoking and fascinating tale, detailing the past lives, habits, and beliefs of this ancient civilization. Regardless of the city being crumbled, there are numerous parts of the forum still standing tall. With the noteworthy sites including the Temple and House of Vestals, the Funeral Altar of Julius Caesar, and the Arch of Titus.
Trevi Fountain
Fill your pockets with your spare change when visiting the famous Trevi Fountain. An ancient water foundation decked out with marble statues and impressive detail. It has grown in fame over the years for its sparkling pool floor, covered in hordes of gold and silver coins. The tradition goes that if you throw a coin over your left shoulder from your right hand, it ensures your return to Rome. If you throw two coins, a new romance will enter your life, whereas three will guarantee marriage.
Recommended Rome Tours: Sightseeing Tours Italy
