The Colosseum and other Rome, Italy Things to Do Tips

The Colossuem

The true symbol of Rome, the colosseum is a fantastic reminder to a great civilization that achieved so much in their time. First off, if you are taking the metro to the colosseum, take the B line and get off at Colosseo. The opening times for the sight are May-Oct. 9am-6:30pm; Nov.-Apr. 9am- 3:30pm. The entrance fee is a steep 8 euros, but this includes entrance into Palatine Hill, just keep your colosseum entrance ticket and they'll let you in as long as you go that same day. EU 18-24 yr olds must pay 4 euros to get in though, all other EU members get in free, what a scam, poor young folk.

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Colosseum: History of the colosseum

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Updated by Venturingnow

on Feb 28, 2003

Inside the wonderful coliseum

Famous in words and astonishing in person, the colosseum has been seen by millions in person and in the movie gladiator. This amphitheatre, built in 70 AD, took about 10 years to build and was the most imposing of all the monuments in the ancient Rome. This ampitheatre could sit more than 50,000 spectators, a number that is simply amazing when taking into the context of its creation. Usually it was used for make fighting shows with wild animals and gladiators and even sea battles, yes, the colosseum was able to be flooded with water and you could boat in it, what geniuses!!!!!

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Colosseum: What to do inside

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Updated by Venturingnow

on Feb 28, 2003

A view from the elevated stance of

the cheap seats

Now, the colosseum is undergoing small renovations to get it's flooring put back on (partially so you can still see the basement while getting a feeling for being a gladiator). I think they are actually done, but I am just unsure of whether they may have begun again since I left. There are a number of great things to view inside, from the ancient archways that connect each section, the slanted rows of seating, with VIP sections that once had canvas roofs and benches for royalty. Most of the seating area is in ruins, though you can still find some stretches that still have actually seats left, something worth a picture.

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Pantheon: The Pantheon

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Written by Venturingnow

on Feb 28, 2003

Front of Pantheon

The some what famous Pantheon is located in P. della Rotonda. It is open M-Sa 8:30am-7:30pm, Su 9am-6pm; holidays 9am-1pm and thank goodness, it is free!! The Pantheon has been around Rome (still in it's original spot of course) for about 2,000 years, and the most amazing thing about this building was the fact that it is so well preserved. It has survived the years almost perfectly with its granite columns, pediment, and a massive domed interior.

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Pantheon: The interior of the Pantheon

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Written by Venturingnow

on Feb 28, 2003

Decor in the Pantheon

The Pantheon was originally created as a Pagan temple but is now known as the Church of Santa Maria ad Martyres. The Pantheon itself contains several important tombs (Raphael, and three members of the Italian royal family). There is a large number of lovely decor items thoughout the church, included some nice marble columns and statues. See photo.

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Pantheon: The history of the Pantheon

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Written by Venturingnow

on Feb 28, 2003

Outside the Pantheon

The Pantheon is a great sight in ancient Rome, though some see it as a little boring. The Pantheon means 'Temple to All Gods and is the largest dome in Rome. I think I either heard of read that this building was so great because of the construction of the dome, it was done without molds or supports and modern architects haven't been able to re-create what the Romans did way back when. The interior measures 43.40 meters in diameter, and the same in height. Light and air still enter through the opening at the top (a circle of 8m. 92cms in diameter). Many years ago, the Pantheon was changed into a Catholic church.

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Pantheon: There's a hole in the roof!!!

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Written by Venturingnow

on Feb 28, 2003

The hole

In case you are blind (no offense, just a joke), there is a large hole in the top of the Pantheon. Me and this guy I'd met at the Yellow Hostel, Tony, were in the Pantheon and were wondering, what happens when it rains? 10 minutes later, we concluded there was a plexi-glass covering on the hole. Just tonight, I read that there is no covering, and the rain just pours into the Pantheon when it rains, and you can still go inside, how sweet is that?

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Palatine Hill: Palatine Hill

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Written by Venturingnow

on Feb 28, 2003

Palentine Hill

According to legend Remus founded Rome on this hill on the 21st of April, 753 B.C. Earlier, there was a settlement here from the beginning of the first century B.C. and on this site archeologist have found remains of the oldest city walls (730-720 B.C.). Augustus build his palace on this hill, near the location of the house of Remus, as a claim to the in heritage of the founder of the city. After him most emperors took this area as their residence, which lead to its sole usage for the imperial palaces that now lay in ruins all over this hill. It is a truly magnificent view of a past civilization, stuck in a modern city that is all but hidden in the tiny world of Palatine Hill.

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Palatine Hill: What else happens on Palatine Hill?

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Written by Venturingnow

on Feb 28, 2003

Some of the ruins

Palatine Hill costs money to view (8 euros in combo with entrance to Colosseum), and it is located next door to the famous forum. I think it is worth the entrance fee just to be able to be in the green lush landscape and away from all the concrete and traffic of urban rome. There are tons of olive trees and pines on Palatine Hill, plus a number of very impressive ruins.

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Palatine Hill: One more photo of Palatine

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Written by Venturingnow

on Feb 28, 2003

The old seating square