A view of original facade on the Colosseum |
Entering the Colosseum
There is a ticket booth at the Colosseum where you can purchase your ticket to get in. The same ticket will also get you into Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. For those who haven't been to Rome recently and remember getting into the Roman Forum for free, in March 2008, the policy changed and the same ticket you bought to get into the Colosseum and Palatine Hill now must be used to get into the Roman Forum. Luckily, the price of this ticket has not increased and remains at 11 Euros. As you view the Colosseum from the outside, you will notice that about half of the original facade is gone; most of the damage to the facade is due to earthquakes over the years. Once in the Colosseum, you will be able to walk around the Colosseum at its various levels and concourses. There is a modern elevator built into the Colosseum that can expedite your journey through the arena and the various concourses. |
The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
The Roman Forum was the central area of ancient Rome. The forum was the main square where early Romans would conduct business, seek justice, and practice religion. It was also considered the center of the Roman Empire, with all distances from Rome measured from a marker located within the Forum. You can get in to the Forum using the same ticket you purchased for the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. The ticket is good for two consecutive days.
Palatine Hill is to the south and is adjacent to the Roman Forum. It is considered to be the spot where the first settlers of Rome arrived and built their houses under the direction of Romulus. Many excavations there have found artifacts dating back to 1000 BC. This is also the location where many Roman Emperors resided in their palaces over the years. From the hill you can get great views of the city, including views of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus. |
A view of the eastern side of the Roman Forum from Palatine Hill |
Exploring the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and Colosseum
When you are in Rome, expect to take at least a half a day to a full day to explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. The area of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill is huge and you are sure to spend at least a few hours in the Colosseum. Our fold-out Map of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill is an excellent guide for navigating all of the ruins and understanding the history behind each of the important ruins in ancient Rome. Also, if you need lodging, for a great selection of places to stay in Rome with discount pricing visit Rome Hotels for more information. |
