Roman history: tips for visiting the Colosseum

A holiday to Rome may not be complete without visiting some of the great pieces of architecture still in existence. One of these is the Colosseum, known as a place for fights and entertainment alike. Having survived thousands of years since it was first built in 70AD, it is still a popular attraction for tourists today. Taking on some tips can help you to make the most out of your experience.

Booking ahead

With the Colosseum being a popular attraction, you may find yourself having to queue up for a long time, even over an hour, if you don’t book tickets ahead of time. Depending on when you go, this could see you missing out on much of the attraction as the Colosseum isn’t open 24/7. The Colosseum tickets price can vary depending on what you want it to include. To really make the most out of your day in the area, you may want to consider purchasing tickets that allow you to skip the main queues, gaining entry into the attraction a lot faster. It is also possible to have a guided tour around the ruins, allowing you to know what to look at while learning a bit more about the history of the place.

Dress appropriately

There are many areas of Rome, such as nice restaurants, that may call for formal wear. The Colosseum is not one of them. When visiting, you may want to make sure that you dress comfortably, in clothes suitable for the weather. This can include shorts in the summer and a raincoat in the cooler months. Regardless of when you go, shoes suitable for walking are vital, as you will be on foot the entire time. Due to this, you may also want to consider going on a day where there is no rain so that you don’t have to either take an umbrella or suffer through getting wet.

Staying safe

The Colosseum may be a great tourist attraction, but it is also important to remember that these are incredibly old ruins. You should avoid touching anything unless you have been told it is safe to do so. Vandalising any part of the ruins is also unacceptable and may see you face charges.

Regarding your personal safety, you might also want to consider taking sun lotion with you. The entirety of the Colosseum is open air and, when you consider how hot it can get in Rome, this could leave you with sunburn or at risk of heat or sunstroke. Therefore taking a wide-brimmed hat with you, as well as plenty of water is highly recommended. Going at an earlier time can also help you to avoid the hottest parts of the day, keeping you safer in the sun and allowing you to enjoy your Colosseum experience in full. 

Visiting the Colosseum might be on your list of things to do in Rome. These giant ruins, as well as the attractions around them, can allow you to learn more about the Roman Empire, and to have some appreciation for previous civilisations.