Colosseum, Rome

Rome Attractions: The Iconic Colosseum

The landmark of the Eternal City and one of the biggest tourist attractions in entire Italy, the Colosseum is undoubtedly a must-visit while in Rome. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, it is an exceptional example of the beautiful architectural heritage in the area.

The renowned monument was actually a gift to the Roman people in the 1st century BC. Commissioned by Emperor Vespasian, the imposing amphitheater was opened by his son Titus and was celebrated with a hundred days of games taking place on site. The gladiator games (which used to be one of the most popular forms of entertainment) continued in the Colosseum up until the 6th century.

Once built, the Colosseum was the largest Roman amphitheater and measured around 188 meters (616 ft) in length and 156 meters (512 ft) in width. The three-story building reached a height of 57 meters (187 ft) and could fit an audience of over 50,000 people!

However, people themselves started to demolish the landmark little by little, as its materials were used to build other monumental wonders of architecture in the city. Natural phenomena, such as earthquakes, and unfavorable weather conditions, took its toll on the monument as well. Even though only a part of it is left to admire, it has long been one of the most visited places in Europe and a crucial part of the cityscape of Rome. Make sure to see it for yourself during your scenic Italian tour.