Colosseo

About the museum

The Flavian Amphitheatre was begun by the emperor Vespasian around AD 70–72 in the valley that had held the lake of Nero’s Domus Aurea, and it was inaugurated by Titus in AD 80. Domitian completed the upper levels and the underground chambers. The elliptical building, made of travertine, tuff and brick, could hold tens of thousands of spectators, and it had a system of numbered entrances that allowed the tiers to be filled and emptied quickly.

For centuries it hosted animal hunts (venationes), executions and gladiator combats. Gladiatorial games were banned in AD 438, and animal shows continued for some time afterwards. After antiquity the structure was damaged by earthquakes and reused as a fortress, a dwelling and a quarry for building materials; in the modern era it became a place of Christian commemoration and was reinforced through interventions by popes and architects.

Today the monument is part of the Parco archeologico del Colosseo, which also includes the Foro Romano, the Palatino and the Domus Aurea. The route allows visitors to see the first and second tiers, with the museum and panoramic terraces. With dedicated tickets, visitors can also access the arena, the underground chambers, the third tier with the attic and the Passaggio di Commodo.

Highlights

• Arena and underground chambers (with dedicated ticket)
• First and second tiers with views of the Fori and the city
• Museo del Colosseo housed inside the monument
• Attic and third tier reachable by panoramic lift (Full Experience Attico ticket)
• Passaggio di Commodo, underground corridor (dedicated ticket)

Permanent exhibition

• Colosseo: primo e secondo ordine e museo – Route along the tiers of the first and second levels, with the Museo del Colosseo and the panoramic terraces.

Founded

82

Operated by

Parco archeologico del Colosseo (Ministero della Cultura)

Visitors per year

approx. 5,832,996

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month, 25 April, 2 June and 4 November.

Tickets are named and must be accompanied by an identity document. Online sales open 30 days before the visit. Other types (Only Arena; Full Experience with arena, underground chambers, attic or Passaggio di Commodo; Forum Pass SUPER; Membership Card) are sold at ticketing.colosseo.it. On the first Sunday of the month, free tickets are collected at the ticket offices in order of arrival.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Three entrances on the north side and the Sperone Stern are accessible by wheelchair. A lift links the first and second tiers, and a goods lift serves the underground chambers. A route for everyone is signposted, covering much of the first tier and the entire second tier. On the first tier there is an accessible toilet and a changing point, and three wheelchairs are available on loan from reception. A tactile panel is present. The panoramic lift to the third tier is reserved for people with documented mobility difficulties.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

Changing tables and a Baby Pit Stop are available for families with small children.

Getting there & parking

The Colosseo entrance is near the Arco di Costantino, at the so-called Sperone Valadier.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Refreshment point and bookshop in the Colosseo area.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit