The Colosseum stands in the heart of Rome, on Piazza del Colosseo, in the Lazio region of Italy. It is an ancient Roman amphitheatre, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre (Amphitheatrum Flavium, or Anfiteatro Flavio in Italian). It was built between 70 and 80 AD, and it could hold up to 80,000 spectators. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
What to expect
For most visitors, the Colosseum is a visit to a monument that still shows its scale. Its tiers of arches rise above the surrounding streets, and walking through its interior gives a clear sense of how the building was used for public spectacles. The structure is large, and the visit is best approached as a walk through a historic site rather than a quick stop.
- Type of visit: a historic monument and ancient amphitheatre
- Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma, Italy
- Also known as: Colosseo, Amphitheatrum Flavium, Flavian Amphitheatre, Anfiteatro Flavio
- Contact: +39 06 39967700
Around the Colosseum
The Colosseum sits within the city centre of Rome, so it is easy to combine with other sights in the area. Its position makes it a natural starting point for exploring the historic core of the city on foot, with the surrounding streets and public squares offering views and places to stop. Visitors planning a day in Rome can build their route around it.
