What is the Colosseum?
The Colosseum is an ampitheatre that could seat 50,000-80,000 spectators in its day. Construction began in 72 AD. It was used for gladiatorial contests, classical dramas, executions, and re-enactments of famous battles.
What's the Colosseum like?
It's stupendous. It's hard to believe that it was even conceived of 2000 years ago, never mind built, and that so much of it is still here today is incredible.
Where is the Colosseum?
Rome, Italy
When did we go?
February 2007
How did we get there?
We flew there on a three day trip from London. The Colosseum is very central. We also saw the Vatican Museums (173), St Peter's Basilica (185) and the Pantheon (67).
Worth noting:
It's possible to do a tour of the arena floor and underground areas - we didn't do this but I'd recommend it.
What position did the Colosseum hold in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travelist?
7. It has since dropped 43 places.
Does the Colosseum deserve its lower place in the 2020 edition of the Lonely Planet top 500?
It deserves to be higher - at least top 20.
