Express Colosseum Tour has been designed to give guests the opportunity to receive a guided tour of Rome’s majestic Colosseum even if they are short on time. This skip-the-line Colosseum tour will take you through all the main features of this incredible ancient structure in approximately one hour.
If you have more time and would like to take in every little detail, our Ancient Rome guided tour would be perfect for you.[readmore]This express skip-the-line Colosseum tour shares the history of Rome’s most famous ancient monument in just about an hour! After you reach the meeting point at the Colosseum metro stop, the guided tour will start with an introduction to this architectural masterpiece. As you admire its impressive facade, you will not only learn about the materials used to build the Colosseum but also about the people responsible for its construction: the emperors, architects and slaves — all of whom played an integral role.
You will then enter through one of the Colosseum’s many arches, just like the ancient Romans once did. As saving time is a priority, you will enjoy skip-the-line access and won’t be expected to line up for your Colosseum tickets.
The old stones and worn marble will seemingly come to life, as your licensed guide describes the bloody gladiatorial combats once held in the arena. You will see where the emperors were seated as they decided the fate of the mighty warriors and imagine yourself a part of the crowd. After the tour concludes, be sure to explore the second level for a birds-eye view of the arena and underground chambers, as well as the balcony for a spectacular panorama of the surrounding landscape of the Ancient City.
Lee masCheck in is at least 15 minutes before tour start time
The tour runs rain or shine! Refunds will not be provided for no-shows or late arrivals
Only small bags will be permitted inside the monument
Prohibited items include scissors, pocket knives, aerosols and liquids, even if less than 100ml (except for water)
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing
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Colosseum Inauguration and History The Colosseum, commissioned by Emperor Vespasian, was symbolically built atop the remains of the Golden House of Nero (Rome’s most despised emperor) and was given as a gift to the Roman people. More than 100,000 cubic meters of travertine were needed to construct the Colosseum and, in order to transport these huge blocks, a 20-mile road was built from the quarry in Tivoli.
After approximately 8 years and with the work of tens of thousands of slaves, the amphitheater was completed in AD 80. The inauguration of the Colosseum was marked by 100 days of games and entertainment including gladiatorial combats, public executions, and wild beast hunts. As your tour guide leads you through one of the 80 archways of the monument, you will be following in the footsteps of the ancient Romans. While you enjoy priority access, you learn about the ingenious ticketing system (still used in stadiums today) as well as the different types of entrances, including the Gate of Death through which the dead bodies of men and wild animals alike would be dragged from the arena.
Story of Gladiator Battles As you move through the immense corridors and head towards the centre stage, your guide will tell stories of gladiator battles enabling you to imagine the roar of the bloodthirsty crowd. The emperor, enjoying the show from his imperial box, held the fate of these mighty warriors in his hands — sparing their life or signalling their death with a single gesture. Senators and Vestal Virgins had some of the best seats in the house, while the second tier seats were reserved for the wealthy. Roman citizens watched the bloodshed from the third level, and the fourth was left for women and slaves.
Underground Chambers Before you leave the Colosseum to make sure to visit the second level where you will find fantastic views of the underground chambers. These rooms once held the wild beasts that were released onto the arena floor through trap doors, surprising gladiators and spectators alike. There is no guided tour of these levels on the Express Colosseum Tour.