Celebrating a place of death - Half a million people killed in one building (Colosseum (Rome, Italy))

Member Name: JJJJ

Product:	Colosseum (Rome, Italy)
Date:	23/05/09 (142 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fabulous structure

Disadvantages: Can get very busy in tourist season

For tourists visiting Rome, the Colosseum is usually one of the first ports of call. Located in the centre of the ancient city, the structure, built to stage gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, was completed in 80AD during Emperor Titus' reign.

It was a hot day during my visit to the Colosseum, and as such, the crowds were in full flow, eager to get a look inside the ancient structure. The admission fee is around 15 Euros - although to be honest, you can appreciate the building's beauty and get a fairly good look at its inner workings without ever setting foot inside. However, if you do want to enter, the opening times are as follows;

Mid February - mid March: 9am - 4.30pm
Mid March - end March: 9am - 5.00pm
End March - end August: 9am- 7.00pm
End August - end Sept.: 9am - 6.30pm
End Sept. - end October: 9am - 6.00pm
End October - mid March: 9am - 4.00pm

The fee for entering also includes admission to the other historical sites in the area; Palatine Hill (one of the seven hills of Rome), and the Roman Forum, once a centre of political and social activity.

The Colosseum had a capacity to hold over 50,000 people, and visitors flocked to see executions, battles between man and animal, plus a whole host of other gruesome events in the venue. Apparently half a million people were killed for entertainment in the Colosseum, and over a million animals befell the same fate - shocking!

In its present state. The Colosseum is classed as 'partially ruined', due to the fact that half of its huge outer wall is now missing - much of the rock stolen by various groups over the years to be used in other projects. In fact, our tour guide pointed out that for centuries, the Colosseum was seen merely as a quarry, and people would come in and take out the stone at their leisure.

Next to the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino), which was built to celebrate Constantine's victory in the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312AD. This beautiful structure enhances the setting, and along with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the Colosseum is in good company.

There are always men dressed as gladiators lingering around the area - hoping you'll want a picture taken with them, and therefore give them money. As long as you don't make eye contact with these guys, they probably won't pester you - unless of course you want a snap with a fake gladiator.

I enjoyed my visit to the Colosseum, and felt historically enriched by the experience! Italy has a wealth of historical sights, and apart from the Leaning Tower of Pisa, The Colosseum is perhaps the best known. Although sadly a world apart from its former glory, I highly recommend paying the ancient structure a visit.

Summary: Important historical site