The Colosseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre, is one of the most famous monuments in the world. The building was constructed by emperors of the Flavian dynasty and its name comes from the bronze Colossus that Nerone wanted to be built as his portrait.
Occupying a place just east of the Roman Forum, its construction started under the emperor Vespasian and it was unveiled in 80 A.D. by Tito. The front of this imponent monument is 50 mt high, the internal elliptical arena is 86*54 mt; the amphitheatre could lodge 50.000 spectators and it was covered with a huge curtain to protect spectators from the sun.
It was used for gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles such as sea battles, animal hunts, executions and re-enactments of famous ancient battles.
The Colosseum has been restructured many times, because of fires, earthquakes and floods, up to Teodorico’s reign, in the VI century, when it was no longer used.
Around Colosseum area there are many other tourist attraction, pubs, locals, churchs and museums. Lodging near Colosseum is one of the best choose for an Holiday in Rome. There are many web sites that propose incoming solutions such apartment rentals in Rome or luxury and boutique hotels, the most important thing is to make the right choice according to your own budget.
The Pope Benedetto XIV made the building a holy place to commemorate martyrs who died here, and in 1700 was the site of the Via Crucis which still takes places here today.
The Colosseum today is one of the major tourist attraction in Rome with thousands of tourists each year coming to view the interior arena. There is now a museum dedicated to Eros located in the upper floor of the outer wall of the building. Part of the arena floor has been re-floored.
