Colosseum
Able to hold an estimated 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for venationes, munera, and other public spectacles such as executions of condemned criminals, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Roman mythology. It remained in service for almost 500 years, with the last games extending up to the 6th century. For the inauguration of the Colosseum in 80 AD, Titus gave a naumachia in the Colosseum converted into a basin recreating the naval battle of Corinth against Corcyra. The building eventually ceased to be used during the early Middle Ages. It was later reused for various uses such as dwellings, craft workshops, the seat of a religious order, a fortress, a quarry and a Christian Catholic sanctuary.
The Colosseum is now in a state of ruin due to the damage caused by earthquakes and the reclaimed stones, but it still conveys the measure of the former power of Imperial Rome. Today it is one of the symbols of modern Rome, one of its most popular tourist attractions with 7.6 million visitors, and still has close links to the Roman Catholic Church: every Good Friday, the Pope leads a torchlight procession on a Via Crucis to the amphitheater. The Colosseum is represented on the Italian 5 Euro cent coin.
Colosseum, ancient Roman amphitheatre, a landmark of Rome, Italy
Location: Municipio I
Inception: 82
Founder: Vespasian
Official opening: 81
Capacity: 65000
Height: 48 m
Length: 187 m
Width: 155 m
Area: 5,000 m²
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible
Material: travertine, tuff, concrete
Phone: 39067740091
Email: [email protected]
Website: parcocolosseo.it
