The Colosseum

The Colosseum at Rome is the most visited landmark in Italy. The entry is time controlled and ticketed. Our entry time was 3pm on the second day of our roman holiday. The Colosseum closes at 4:30pm in winter, the Sun sets around 4:40pm. Our late entry allowed us to see the iconic scene we see so many times before on TV, in advertisements, the sunset on the Colosseum, inside and out, as we were leaving.

The Colosseum at Sunset

The Colosseum is located at the center of Rome, and surrounded by many other ruins, such as Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, Roman Forum. This part of Rome is not too big, like the London, we walked to everywhere. 

The second day of our Roman holiday was a beautiful sunny day. Started from our hotel in early morning (8am), we walked to a popular bakery for breakfast, and then went to the Patheon - the temple for all gods. Along the way we stopped at some attractions, and went to another popular restaurant for a late lunch

The Colosseum stands out among the ruins of Roman Forum, as we walked along the pedestrian promenade, Via dei Fori Imperiali, from northwest. 

view of the Colosseum from afar on Via de Fori Imperiali

The figures in the second floor are printed posters

look up at the foot of the Colosseum

When we got inside the Colosseum, we felt its immense size literally! What surprised me was that we did not see the large field in the center, but some rooms, and walkways - which must be the underground structures.

My knowledge of what the inside of the Colosseum looks like was from the movie Gladiator. A model of the early Colosseum shown  in the gallery at the Colosseum is more like what is shown in the movie.

The Colosseum was built during 72D - 80AD as an elliptical amphitheater. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles including animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, dramas based on Roman mythology, and briefly mock sea battles. The gladiatorial fight was banned in 399AD. 

Over its nearly 2000 year history, so much has changed. It was damaged by earthquakes and was reconstructed/repaired multiple times, and its usage was influenced by cultural and religious changes. From gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, dramas, it was used for various other purpose later -  a small chapel had been built into the structure of the amphitheater, was converted into a cemetery, housing and workshops. Around 1200 the Frangipani family took over the Colosseum and fortified it, apparently using it as a castle. In the early to mid 14th century, The colosseum was largely abandoned by the public and became a popular den for bandits!

A model of the Colosseum at the Ruins

As we read the exhibits, examined the architecture, and took pictures, the Sun started to set, Moon rose, and the lights became golden. The Colosseum closed at 4:30pm to tourists, we lingered outside for a while, appreciate the the Colosseum in the evening glow, and under the rising moon.

We had a great afternoon at the Colosseum. It is definitely a must-go place in Rome, Italy.

half moon over the Colosseum