The Colosseum stands as one of the most renowned and emblematic landmarks worldwide. It’s repeatedly emphasized that when in Rome, a visit to the Colosseum is an absolute must. This assertion holds true, and it’s essential to approach this magnificent structure with the time and reverence it warrants. By bypassing lengthy queues and exploring exclusive restricted areas, you can fully appreciate its grandeur. Join us as we unveil the ultimate Colosseum experience in Rome!
We embarked on a tour with The Roman Guy, titled “Colosseum: Dungeon, Third Level, and Arena Floor,” encompassing visits to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as well. Lasting approximately three hours, this tour offers an extensive array of sights to behold within that timeframe.
Not only did we explore multiple levels within the Colosseum, including all of its restricted areas, but we also traversed Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, absorbing knowledge at every turn. Our group was divided into two intimate clusters, each consisting of twelve individuals, led by our knowledgeable guides, Alisse and Raffaela.
While delving into certain restricted areas, we merged into a single cohesive unit due to time constraints imposed by the tour operators. However, for the remainder of the excursion, we remained within our smaller group under the guidance of Alisse. Equipped with headsets and earbuds, ensuring clear communication was paramount amidst the bustling surroundings, particularly in areas where noise levels soared, making it challenging to absorb the historical insights otherwise.
Our journey commenced at the Colosseum, where throngs of people congregated. Yet, with our group, we effortlessly bypassed the queues, a notable advantage of booking a guided tour.
During our tour, Alisse frequently consulted a book containing images depicting the original appearance of the Colosseum juxtaposed with its present state, offering a captivating glimpse into its historical evolution. Attempting to visualize its former grandeur was a particularly intriguing aspect of the experience. However, the most awe-inspiring moment came when stepping foot inside this iconic structure—one that had been extensively studied in school and featured prominently in countless photographs and films. Its tangible presence was almost surreal, challenging our perception of reality.
Our initial destination was the Colosseum Arena Floor, an exclusive area accessible only to our two intimate tour groups led by The Roman Guy. This hallowed ground once bore witness to the intense battles of gladiators, where they fought for their lives amidst the thunderous roars of up to 60,000 spectators. It’s truly remarkable to contemplate stepping into such a perilous arena.
The Colosseum stands as a testament to grandeur and engineering prowess, being the largest amphitheater ever erected. Constructed in a mere eight years, its creation involved the labor of over 60,000 Jewish slaves, culminating in its completion in 80 AD.
The exterior of the Colosseum was crafted from travertine stone, while its interior boasted a combination of tufa and brick. Alisse skillfully highlighted areas where the original brickwork was discernible, contrasting with sections that had undergone reconstruction or repair. Although marble was originally utilized for the main pedestals, none of it remains visible on-site today.
Regrettably, much of the Colosseum’s marble was requisitioned for the construction of St. Peter’s Basilica. Moreover, the structure has endured significant damage over the centuries, with natural calamities such as two major earthquakes taking their toll. Additionally, during the Middle Ages, a substantial amount of stone from the interior was removed and repurposed in various other construction endeavors.
In the past, the arena floor of the Colosseum was constructed from wood and covered with sand. Beneath this surface lay the hypogeum, a term translating to “underground“. This intricate system comprised multiple tiers of tunnels and cages, serving as the epicenter of spectacle. Within the hypogeum, live animals were housed alongside traps designed to heighten the drama of gladiatorial contests. While much of the original arena floor has since disappeared, remnants of the hypogeum remain visible across various levels of the structure.
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