Colosseum
No other monument represents Rome as much as the Colosseum.
The Flavius amphitheatre was started by Titus Flavius Vespasianus and inaugurated by his son, Titus, in 80 A.D. It could hold 50,000 spectators who would greatly enjoy the sight of gladiators fighting each other an / or wild animals. If you have seen Gladiator you’ll have a good idea of what this would entail.
Not to be confused with the Stadio Olimpico, home of the AS Roma ‘gladiators’ (or ‘cowards’ if you happen to be a Lazio fan).
Not just the Colosseum
The area we call Colosseum in this site is quite vast and includes The Roman Forum, the area of Via Labicana going towards San Giovanni and Parco Traiano where the Domus Aurea is.
If you’re staying in the area and feel like a little bit of culture…
- The Colosseum (obviously)
- The Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine
- San Clemente and Santo Stefano Rotondo churches
- The Arch of Constantine and the Colossus of Nero
Not quite in the heart of Rome
Sitting on the verge of the heart of Rome’s historic centre, this area offers good shopping, a lot of green and nice walks to Piazza Venezia (10 minutes away from the Colosseum, if that) and the Circus Maximum.
So you’re not going to find many particularly narrow alleys and piazzas appearing as you turn into a side-street. Here you have more space, more green and quiet.
See also...
Articles about Colosseum
Does Rome need Vespasian today?
Today, Rome celebrates Vespasian's 2000th birthday by holding the an exhibition called "Divus Vespasianus: Il Bimillenario dei Flavi", which makes one wonder whether a figure such as Vespasian would help Italy get through the current socio-economic crisis.
24 Apr '09 | Category: Culture & Leisure
Rome area information
Find information and articles listed by area of Rome:
Latest blog post
Get your hands on the Kids' Guide to Rome 2010
Wanted in Rome, the English-language guide listing all sorts of local events and activities, is giving it away with the 9 June edition of the publication.
10 Jun '10 | All of Rome
Apartment Spotlight
An apartment for 6: 2 in a master bedroom and 4 in the second bedroom.
Area: Colosseum
