Standing in front of the Colosseum for the first time is breathtaking. No matter how many times you've seen it in books, movies, or postcards, nothing compares to the feeling of actually standing beneath its towering arches, imagining the stories it holds. This year, we finally got to visit one of the most iconic landmarks in the world—the Colosseum in Rome—and it was even more awe-inspiring than we had imagined.
Walking through its ancient corridors and into the arena floor, we were transported back nearly 2,000 years to when this massive amphitheater was the beating heart of Roman entertainment.
Stepping Into the Arena: The Colosseum’s Grand Scale
Built between 70-80 AD under the orders of Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus, the Colosseum—also known as the Flavian Amphitheater—was the largest of its kind, capable of seating between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. Standing inside the arena, we could feel just how massive it was.
We looked up at the four towering levels, the remains of the once-grand marble seating, and the archways where thousands of Romans once poured in, eager to witness gladiator battles, wild animal hunts, and elaborate performances.
Standing on the arena floor, we closed our eyes for a moment and imagined the roar of the crowd, the cheers, and the gasps as fierce battles played out in front of them. The sheer size of the Colosseum must have made every event feel larger than life—just as it still does today.
The Hypogeum: A Glimpse into the Underworld of the Colosseum
Beneath our feet lay something even more fascinating—the Hypogeum, the underground network of tunnels and chambers that brought the Colosseum to life. We descended below the arena, where we saw the narrow passageways and the faded markings on the stone walls—evidence of the massive wooden lifts that once carried gladiators, animals, and props up to the surface.
Our guide encouraged us to imagine what it must have been like down here all those years ago. We stood still and tried to picture it—the dim torchlight flickering against the walls, the smell of sweat and fear in the air, the roars of lions and the pounding of hooves echoing through the tunnels. This was where gladiators waited, some preparing for battle, others knowing it would be their last fight.
The underground was a maze of trapdoors, lifts, and holding pens, all designed to create a dramatic and unpredictable spectacle above. In its prime, the Colosseum had an elaborate pulley system that allowed animals and fighters to appear suddenly in the middle of the arena. One moment, the floor was empty. The next, a hidden door would swing open, and a gladiator or wild beast would emerge as the crowd erupted into cheers (or gasps). It was ancient stagecraft at its finest.
What Happened at the Colosseum? Blood, Battles, and Spectacle
During its heyday, the Colosseum was Rome’s ultimate entertainment venue. The events held here were extravagant, brutal, and designed to showcase the power and wealth of the Roman Empire. Some of the most famous spectacles included:
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Gladiatorial Contests: Trained fighters—some volunteers, others enslaved—battled each other with swords, shields, and even tridents. Sometimes it was man versus man, other times man versus beast.
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Animal Hunts (Venationes): Lions, tigers, elephants, and even giraffes were brought in from across the empire to be pitted against hunters or gladiators.
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Mock Naval Battles: The Colosseum was once flooded to stage elaborate reenactments of famous sea battles, with small boats and warriors fighting as if on open water.
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Public Executions: Criminals and prisoners were often thrown into the arena as part of gruesome midday spectacles.
It’s hard to comprehend just how violent these events were. Standing there, looking up at the crumbling walls, we thought about how many lives had been lost right where we stood—how many cheers, gasps, and final cries had echoed off these stones.
Image: ATouchOfRome.com.
How to Visit the Colosseum Today
If you’re planning a trip to Rome, the Colosseum is a must-visit for families who love history. It is located at:
📍 Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Rome, Italy
The best way to get there is by Metro Line B, stopping at Colosseo Station, which is right in front of the monument. Several buses also service the area, including 51, 75, 81, 85, 87, and 117.
Image: VisitRomeInItaly.com
Tickets & Tours:
- Standard entry tickets allow you to explore the arena and the first and second levels.
- Underground & Arena Floor tours (which we highly recommend!) give you access to the Hypogeum and let you stand where gladiators once did.
- The Belvedere Tour lets you climb to the very top levels for an incredible view over Rome.
If you go, try to arrive early or better still, book a guided tour in advance as it makes all the difference in bringing the Colosseum’s history to life. There are many tour operators to choose from and we can recommend GetYourGuide or Viator, both offering a large selection of operators and options to choose from.
Final Thoughts: A Journey Through Time
Walking out of the Colosseum, we turned back one last time to take it all in. The massive structure stood defiantly against the modern skyline of Rome, a reminder of an empire long gone but never forgotten.
For a moment, we imagined the thousands of people who had once gathered here, the warriors who fought bravely, the animals who were forced into battle, and the emperors who watched from their grand seats. The Colosseum is more than just an ancient ruin—it is a place where history still echoes, if you take a moment to listen.
Would you dare to step into the arena?
Take a Piece of the Colosseum With You – Our Exclusive Luggage Cover
Want to carry a piece of ancient Rome with you on your travels? Our artist-designed Colosseum luggage cover is the perfect way to add a striking, unmistakable touch to your suitcase. Featuring a bold, visually stunning design inspired by the grandeur of the Colosseum, this unique cover transforms your luggage into a statement piece that stands out at any airport or train station.
But it’s not just about looks—our Colosseum luggage cover is designed with both style and practicality in mind:
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✔ Easy to Use – Simply slide it on, zip it up at the base, and you’re ready to go.
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Whether you're heading to Rome, exploring new destinations, or simply looking for a unique way to personalise your suitcase, this cover is a must-have for any traveler.
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Let your love for history travel with you! ✈🏛