Filed under: Attractions, Coliseum, culture, historic sites, history, Italy, Rome, Sightseeing in Europe
Plan a FREE Visit to the Roman Coliseum
Today’s guest post at Europe String come from Mary Jo Manzanares, Travel Editor and Writer at PlanetEye. When she’s not busy traveling, for business or pleasure, you will find Mary Jo writing at The Seattle Traveler or planning her next great adventure.
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The Coliseum in Rome (map) is the largest remaining monument of Imperial Rome, and is the top landmark in a city full of landmarks. Built between AD 72-80, the Coliseum was originally called the Flavian Amphitheater and was the center of the city of Rome. It was the first and the largest (it covers about six acres) permanent amphitheater built in the Roman Empire.
The exterior of the building consisted of four floors – three tiers of arches and an attic. On top of the attic were a series of brackets and sockets that allowed a shade to be pulled over the arena for sun protection, and a canopy that could be pulled over to protect guests from the rain. It was a fairly complex system that may have served as the forerunner to the many stadium and arenas today that have a retractable roof.
Anyone who has seen Russell Crowe in the movie Gladiator, has a pretty good idea of how the Coliseum operated. 80 doorways led into the interior arena area, with tiers of marble benches for spectators. Seating was arranged by rank, with the emperor and noblemen at the front, and working men and women at the rear. It was an efficient seating plan that allowed for the smooth arrival and departure of nearly 50,000 spectators. Originally, the arena floor was wooden with sand over it. There were various trapdoors that opened up letting lions and other ferocious beast enter the arena. (You can still see the outline of many of those trapdoors today.) There was also a fairly advanced underground aqueduct system that allowed the floor to be flooded for water battles. This is where the gladiator battles and other public spectacles took place – the ultimate battle between the lions and Christians. Many of both died in the games.
The Coliseum is occasionally used for special events, a few hundred spectators can be accommodated in temporary seating, and larger events like concerts have been held outside the arena on the grounds. Paul McCartney and Elton John both had concerts on the amphitheater grounds.
The exterior grounds of the Coliseum can be wandered at no charge. Look out for the young men dressed up like gladiators who’ll stand with you for a photo, though, as there’s a fee involved. You can walked around the entire perimeter, enjoy the grounds, marvel at the architecture, and soak in the feel of history for FREE. Admission is charged to get inside, although EU citizens, students, and seniors have a reduced rate.
Photo credit: Mary Jo Manzanares
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Reg : Plan a FREE Visit to the Roman Coliseum
I am very much enthusiased after reading the history. I want to know how can i get the free visit to the Roman Coliseum. Please advice.
With Sincere regards
Tejinder
Tejinder: I’m glad that you enjoyed the history of the Coliseum. It was a pretty special place for me.
The exterior grounds and area are FREE, so you don’t need to do anything special. Just show up, walk around, and see history right before your eyes.
There is a charge to go inside, but look for the occasional FREE days or discounted admissions. Honestly, though, you can have a pretty good experience without going inside.
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