Italy · Rome · Wonder of the World

Colosseum

The largest amphitheatre of the ancient world — where empires roared and 50,000 Romans cheered.

80 AD
Inaugurated
50,000
Capacity
48 m
Height
Location

Find the Wonder

Address
Piazza del Colosseo, 1
00184 Roma RM
Italy
History

Where empires roared

Commissioned by the emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and completed by his son Titus eight years later, the Flavian Amphitheatre — known to history as the Colosseum — could seat 50,000 spectators for gladiatorial combat, beast hunts and re-enacted naval battles.

After centuries of earthquakes, stone-robbing and neglect, what remains is still the largest amphitheatre ever built. Two-thirds of the original structure is gone — but enough survives to make the Colosseum the defining icon of imperial Rome.

Plan a Visit

Visit the Colosseum

Tickets are sold by the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo and include access to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. Book online at least a few days ahead.

Visit parcocolosseo.it