Discover the Colosseum

The Colosseum stands as the greatest symbol of ancient Roman power and remains Italy’s single most popular attraction.

The largest amphitheatre in the entire Roman Empire, it was the stage for some of the most spectacular and extravagant entertainment of the ancient world, from wild animal hunts and public executions to the iconic gladiator battles.

The arena floor was where gladiatorial combat and animal hunts took place before Rome’s citizens. The original wooden surface sat above the stone corridors visible today.

A partial reconstruction allows visitors to stand at the centre of the stage and appreciate the space as it once was.

The hypogeum was the backstage area from where animals and gladiators arrived to the oval stage. Hundreds of workers and slaves operated below, coordinating every entrance.

This subterranean space housed animals, props, mechanical lifts and ramps and served as the primary entry point for gladiators.