The

Coliseum

is one of the most famous monuments of the ancient Rome, inaugurated in 80 A.D. to house gladiator fights.

The structure is over 160 feet high and could in the ancient times hold over 50,000 spectators who entered the Coliseum through its eighty doors.

Romans came to watch gladiator and animal fights. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Coliseum was abandoned for centuries until it was used as a fortress in the Medieval times.

The structure has suffered damage from earth-quakes and is being slowly restored.

Visitors can enter the Coliseum and tour the inside of the famous structure. Tickets cost Euro 8 and can be reserved by calling +39-06-39967700.

The Coliseum is open every day, except during national holidays. In the summer, the ticket office is open from 9 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., while in the winter it closes earlier.

If you are visiting several archaeological sites during your stay in Rome, you can also purchase the Roma Archeologia card for Euro 20, valid for seven days, which will give you access to 9 sites in Rome, including the Coliseum, Terme di Diocleziano, Terme di Caracalla, Villa dei Quintili and others.