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16 Interesting Facts About the Colosseum in Rome

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Colosseum Facts

16 Interesting Colosseum Facts

1. The Surprising Role of Jewish Slaves

2. The Colosseum Could Seat Up to 80,000 People

3. It Was Built on an Artificial Lake

4.The Colosseum Wasn't Always Called That

5. Colosseum's Underground Labyrinth: Hypogeum

6. Contests took place over 100 days

7. It was destroyed by natural disasters

8. It's a Symbol of Christianity

9. The Colosseum Was Covered in Marble

10. The Colosseum Was Also Used for Nautical Battles

11. It was built by Vesuvius and Titus

12. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site

13. It Had a Retractable Roof: Velarium

14. A Technological Marvel Of Its Time

15. The Colosseum Was Used for Over 500 Years

16. Travertine stone was used to build the Colosseum

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Did you know the Colosseum could hold up to 80,000 spectators? Find out more interesting facts about this ancient amphitheater.

Discover the Most Interesting Facts About the Colosseum in Rome

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Discover the Colosseum like never before with exclusive Arena & Underground access. Skip-the-line entry, guided tours, and unbeatable combos with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Book now for an unforgettable ancient Rome experience!

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The ultimate way to experience all the Colosseum has to offer, with exclusive underground access.

Plunge under the Colosseum and discover the underground 'backstage'. Accompanied by an expert, trudge your way through long-lost stories of brave hearts.								

Continue exploring all the Colossum has to offer. History will come to life, as you hear tales of men fighting tigers and elephants with their bare hands. 								

Mainstage arena, viewing decks, and the hidden trapdoors where gladiators awaited their fate - enjoy access to all corners of the Colosseum.								

Immerse in ancient life at the Roman Forum. Discover the Temple of Antoninus Pius, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus, and many other fascinating sites.								

Want a quick tour instead of a comprehensive one? Opt for the Underground-only tour, then explore the Roman Forum at your pace!								

Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, & Roman Forum

Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)

Special access to the Colosseum Arena & Underground

Access to Palatine Hill & Roman Forum (optional)

Tip: Take advantage of the local expert's knowledge, and ask about the secret tunnels in the Colosseum Underground that used to connect to the outside world.

All guests must go through an airport-style security check at entry for maximum safety. Expect to stand in line, this mandatory step cannot be skipped.

The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users, baby carriages, and people with mobility issues.

Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID with you to gain entry. 

Access to the underground is restricted to the general public. Be sure to book ahead to guarantee your spot!

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Group of tourists enjoying a Colosseum Underground Guided Tour in Rome, exploring the historical Gladiator Arena and Roman Forum

Group of tourists on a Colosseum Underground Guided Tour in Rome, exploring the historical Gladiator Arena

Tour guide leading a group in the Colosseum Underground, Rome, highlighting unique access to the Gladiator Arena

Tour guide leading a group through the Colosseum Underground, with views of Palatine Hill & Roman Forum, on a guided tour in Rome

Tour guide leading a group through the Colosseum Underground, with views of Palatine Hill & Roman Forum in Rome, Italy

Tour guide leading a group in the Colosseum Arena, Rome, highlighting the underground chambers and gladiator history

Small group of tourists exploring the historic Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum in Rome, Italy on a guided tour

Tour guide leading a group through the Colosseum Underground, with views of Palatine Hill & Roman Forum on a sunny day in Rome, Italy

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Tours

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Guided Tours

Colosseum Underground, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Guided Tour

Our English tour guide was really good with the history of the Colosseum. He spoke a little fast but he was very knowledgeable.  It was very organized and on schedule. 

Guide was an Archeologist and his extensive knowledge showed. Very personable and good organization skills herding our group! I included a picture of him and if you get him you're in for a treat!

Our guide was very knowledgeable funny and polite. Take the early morning tour. It's less crowded. We had private access and no waiting in line. 

This was our favorite tour in our two week adventure through Italy. The underground portion, as well as the Roman Forum and Palantine Hill, was worth the money. We got chills being at the lowest level.  The Coliseum is so beautiful regardless, but our guide Julia was amazing. The tour was about 3 hours so give yourself extra time if you're booking other tours and plans, but we didn't mind at all because she gave us so much information. You can tell she loves the job!


The tour was awesome !  We have done a normal general entry  collesseum visit  before in past year's visit however this time we did this comprehensive tour that included the under floors below the stadium.  The star of the tour was the archeologist tour guide whom was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Roman history.  We went through Colleseum, Palatine Hill and Forum in detail with insights and before pictures of areas/buildings we were looking at on the day so was easier to conceptualise how it looked 2000 yrs ago.  Not the cheapest tour but was worth it for our family. 

Tick off Rome's bucket list attraction, without having to commit to a longer tour.

Looking for a quick Roman getaway? You got this. Skip lines and dive straight into the gory details of the Colosseum on this hour-long guided tour.

Give your little ones a taste of Roman history, and opt for a tour tailor made for them! With mock sea battles and secret tunnels, sure to color the imagination of kids and adults, alike.

From its palatial beginnings to the acts of bravery that entertained Rome – watch your guide spill everything there is to know about the Colosseum.

Choose your language and ease into conversations on humanity's most grotesque spectacle, with a guide and a group that just gets you..

Expert English, Spanish, Italian, French, or German-speaking guide (as per option selected)

Access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Access to the Colosseum underground, arena floor, or upper floors

Tip: Keep some time free after your tour to take some EPIC photos from the Colle Oppio Park.

This tour does not include access to the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.

For maximum safety, all guests must go through an airport-style security check at entry. Expect to stand in line, this mandatory step cannot be skipped.

This experience is suitable for pram/stroller but not ideal for people with reduced mobility.

Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid Photo ID with you to gain entry.

Tour guide leading a group of tourists at the Colosseum Express Guided Tour in Rome, Italy

Tour guide showing an ancient artefact during a Colosseum Museum tour in Rome

Colosseum Express Tour

La nostra guida ha spiegato un sacco di cose con molto entusiasmo. Si vedeva che gli piaceva fare il suo mestiere e che loconosceva molto bene. Abbiamo sentito che lui aveva tempo per noi.

Our guide explained a lot of things with a lot of enthusiasm. We could see that he liked doing his job and that he knew his craft very well. We felt that he had time for us.

The tour guide Bianca was just amazing and made the whole experience worth while, she was so knowledgeable and kept all the facts interesting. The timing was perfect also, not too long. It was great not having to queue too long either! 

Julio was highly informative throughout the entire experience. He was super kind & welcoming, and made sure we were filled with information before we left. The skip the line feature was so so worth it & having a guide made it feel like we weren't just wandering aimlessly. 

Una agradable visita por unos de los lugares más emblemáticos de Roma, la guía estuvo muy atenta y nos aclaró algunas dudas que teníamos en el grupo, nos dios algunas indicaciones para tener una mejor experiencia en Roma, la entrada al coliseo fue muy rápida, sin tanta cola ni espera. Recomiendo el tour no hay que perdérselo. 

A nice visit to one of the most emblematic places in Rome, the guide was very attentive and clarified some doubts we had in the group, she gave us some indications to have a better experience in Rome, the entrance to the Colosseum was very fast, without much queue or wait. I recommend the tour not to be missed.

Well organised
Easy to book
Great instructions / directions on meeting place 
Informative and funny guide made the experience enjoyable



Tour both iconic sites in one day or on separate days with this convenient combo.

Two bucket-list tours for less! Go easy on your wallet by combining your Vatican and Colosseum tours with this savings-packed deal.

Explore Rome’s highlights – a 3-hour tour through the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum, along with a tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

Your schedule, your rules. Select your ideal date and time for each venue separately, letting you tailor your visit as per your itinerary.

A local guide will be there during your entire tour to enhance your visit with fascinating Roman history at every turn.

Guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

Expert local English, Italian, Spanish, French or German-speaking guide

Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with entry

Tip: Want to avoid a packed day? This combo lets you pick different dates, so you can savor each experience without the hustle.

If you're doing both tours on the same day, allow yourself at least an hour between the two tours to get from one site to the other.

Save some time to visit ancient Rome's largest temple, located right at the eastern edge of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum – the Temple of Venus and Roma.

This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Strict dress code: knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.

While the tour is not accessible by wheelchair, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.

Colosseum and Vatican Museums Guided Tour Combo Tickets

Tourists exploring the underground chambers of the Colosseum in Rome with the exclusive Rome Super Pass

Group of tourists with escorted skip the line tickets entering the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in Rome, Italy

Visitors on a small group guided tour of Vatican Museums

Tour guide showing a group of tourists around the historic Colosseum in Rome, a highlight of the 'Rome in a Day: Guided Tour of Vatican Museums & Colosseum with Sistine Chapel'

Tourists with guide near Statue of Apollo Belvedere, Vatican Museum

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Vatican Museums

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Combos

Combo (Save 10%): Colosseum + Vatican Museums Guided Tour

We bought a ticket to a 3 hours guided tour, but when we arrived at Gladiator Tours the guided tours was only 2 hours. The guide him self made it very interesting, but still - we expeted and had paied for one hours more and could easily have used the hours to see more off Forum Romanun. 

The Museum is of course spectacular. But it is also vast and full of people. Our tour guide talked a bit too much and in too much detail and she stopped a lot on the way, which ment that our tour took an hour more than the description said. We had another tour waiting and had to leave early, and skip the St. Peters church, because the tour guide took so much extra time. We were lucky that we didnt miss our next guided tour, just managed in time there. But if the tour can take from 2,5 hours to 3,5 hours, give this information in the description also, so people can plan ahead. And also, maybe little less information is better :) You get overloaded with the things you see in the Vatican Museum anyway. It is obviously a spectacular Museum though.

Excellent guide who tried to manage our experience with the crowds as well as possible.    While we had expected crowds at times they were a bit oppressive 

It was an awesome experience!  Our tour guide was fantastic!  I'll attach a picture of her name.  She was so knowledgeable and compassionate to everyone in our group.  It was so nice to bypass all the long lines too! 
 I would recommend this tour again!  

Great experience and lots of terrific history explained. Would have liked to be able to spend more time in the Sistene Chapel but understand that with the enormous crowds it is difficult to occupy space in this wondrous treasure for longer than a few minutes.

Experience the Colosseum, tailored to your tastes.

Want to dive deeper into Roman history? Join an expert archeologist for a private tour of the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine, complete with VIP entry.

Interested in the iconic arena or want to explore the Roman Forum's ancient ruins? Your private tour guide will curate a personalized experience based on your preferences.

From the criminal trials at the Roman Forum to the fallacies of Emperors at the Palatine Hill - unravel all the details with your guide.

Walk through the Colosseum's grandstand and picture the epic gladiator fights that kept Romans on the edge of their seats.

English, Spanish, Italian, or French-speaking archeologist guide (as per option selected)

Tip: Take advantage of your guide's local knowledge, and ask for directions to the best photo spots away from the crowds!  

Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid Photo ID with you to gain entry.  

All guests must go through an airport-style security check at entry for maximum safety. Expect to stand in line, this mandatory step cannot be skipped.  

Wheelchairs, prams/strollers, and people with mobility issues can be accommodated on this tour, please reach out after booking for additional support.

Private guided tour group exploring the historic Colosseum in Rome, Italy

Tour guide showing a group of tourists the Colosseum Arena in Rome, Italy during a private guided tour

Aerial view of the Colosseum in Rome during a VIP private tour.

Tour guide showing a group the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with the Colosseum in the background in Rome, Italy

Private guided tour group exploring the historic Colosseum in Rome, Italy, with a clear view of the ancient architecture and surrounding landscape

Tour guide showing a group the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with the Colosseum in the background in Rome, Italy

Tourists exploring the historic Roman Forum and Palatine Hill in Rome, Italy, with a clear blue sky overhead

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Private Tours

VIP Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Private Tour

Step into ancient Rome with a guide who brings history to life at every turn.

Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill - hit all the hotspots of ancient Rome on this 3-hour guided tour.			

Timed entry lets you walk right into the Colosseum and focus on uncovering its history with your expert guide.			

Follow your guide as they reconstruct Rome’s glorious past— from the lively Forum, teeming with traders and priests, to Palatine Hill’s royal residences.		

Don't let language barriers spoil your adventure! Catch every detail of Rome's foundation story, in the language of your choice. 			

Looking for a more intimate group? Upgrade to a small group tour. With fewer photobombers around, your snaps of the Colosseum will truly shine!					

Small group of 15 people (as per option selected)

Access to the Colosseum underground & arena

Tip: The Colosseum tours involve lots of climbing steps and walking. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes to prevent fatigue!			

As there is no timed entrance to the Palatine and Forum, it is not possible to skip the lines. Please expect a delay when entering these sites.			

The experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pram/stroller users baby carriages, and people with mobility issues.			
Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID with you to gain entry. 			

Just a heads-up: the order of the tour might change, so it's a good idea to check for updates before your visit.

Group of tourists enjoying a guided tour of Palatine Hill and Roman Forum in Rome, Italy

Colosseum in Rome, Italy during a sunny day

Group of tourists enjoying a Colosseum Guided Tour in Rome, Italy, with a clear view of the ancient amphitheater

Tour group exploring the Arch of Constantine during a guided tour of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and Roman Forum in Rome

Group of tourists enjoying a guided tour of the historic Palatine Hill and Roman Forum in Rome, Italy

Tour guide showing a group of tourists around the historic Palatine Hill and Roman Forum in Rome, Italy

Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum Guided Tour

Guide was ok, think she was distracted by young family with a chatty son interjecting commentary about what he knew about the site and history.  She just didn't get a momentum going regarding the historic importance and missed pointing out some key landmarks.  
Choose guide was late, becasue no other option was suitable.  She was not late. 

Zara was the best guide ever! She waited for us, because we're lost from the group. She was smart and kind to us. Thank you so much for saving our day at the Coloseum.

Muy buena experiencia. Lugares increíbles con información precisa,y detallada narrada de una forma dinámica y divertida. Gracias 

Very good experience. Incredible places with accurate and detailed information narrated in a dynamic and fun way. Thanks

Silvia was a great guide. She was informative and engaging. It is always great to have a personal guide instead of an audio guide.

Your chance to explore Rome’s ancient wonders at your own pace.

Dive straight into the action with timed entry to the Colosseum, one of Rome’s most visited and iconic sites.

Enjoy the flexibility to explore the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum within 24 hours of your Colosseum entry.

Enhance your visit with an optional audio guide, offering rich insights and stories to bring the ancient sites to life.

Upgrade for exclusive arena floor access and walk in the footsteps of gladiators, experiencing the Colosseum from the vantage point of ancient Romans. 

Timed entry to the Colosseum (as per option selected)

Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian & Chinese (as per option selected)

Entry to Mamertine Prison (as per option selected)

Special access to the Colosseum Arena (as per option selected)

Access to the Colosseum underground or upper floors

Tip: While exploring Palatine Hill look out for the Farnese Gardens, a peaceful escape from the crowds. Beautifully manicured terraces, statues, and panoramic views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum await.

Names are mandatory for Colosseum bookings. Double-check the names at checkout for a hassle-free entry. Be sure to bring a valid Photo ID with you to gain entry. 

Please note that timed priority entry is only available at the Colosseum, but the tickets for the Forum and Palatine will remain valid for an additional 24 hours after the Colosseum entry time selected during booking.

Note that there are 2 entrances: one for the Colosseum, and another for the Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (combined). You may enter each entrance ONLY ONCE and not re-enter.

The security check can take 30 mins or more. To make the process quicker, please insert any object (including mobile phone) in the bag/backpack or in the tray to be included in the X-ray.

After booking the ticket, you’ll receive information on how to download the digital audio guide app on your smartphone. Just make sure your phone is fully charged and don’t forget to bring your favorite headphones!

Tourists exploring the historic Colosseum in Rome, Italy on a sunny day

Tourists exploring the first floor of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, a unique experience offered in our day trip package

Tourists exploring the historic Colosseum arena in Rome, Italy, a unique day trip experience

Sculptures in the Colosseum Museum in Rome, Italy

Ancient artefacts at the Colosseum Museum in Rome, Italy

Tourists exploring the historic Palatine Hill and Roman Forum in Rome, Italy, offering a unique view of ancient ruins

Tourists exploring the historic Palatine Hill and Roman Forum in Rome, Italy

Tourists exploring the historic Palatine Hill in Rome, Italy, with a view of the ancient Roman Forum in the background

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Discover the Most Interesting Facts About the Colosseum in Rome

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