Colosseum

As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it's no surprise the Colosseum is immensely popular. If you want to see one of Rome's most iconic landmarks, you should definitely book in advance.

You might have some luck reserving on the day, but the number of visitors to the Colosseum per day is limited so it's better not to risk missing out – especially if you're visiting Rome during the high season. If you do forget to book ahead of your visit, you can expect a lengthy queue outside the Colosseum.

If you want a more in-depth experience, get access to the famed arena floor – you'll get to share the same view as the gladiators and gaze up at the thousands of now-empty seats.

Other vouchers grant special access to the Colosseum Underground, where gladiators and lions once prepared for battle. Not all Colosseum vouchers have this option, so be sure it is included before you buy.

You can also combine your Colosseum voucher with other popular experiences in Rome.

While it's the largest amphitheater ever built in the ancient world, its capacity isn't quite as impressive as what can be accomplished by today's modern means.

The largest college football stadium in the United States, Michigan Stadium, can hold 107,600 people compared to the Colosseum's estimated capacity of 50,000-80,000.

However, when you take into consideration that it was built close to 2,000 years ago, the Colosseum's capability of holding so many spectators remains impressive.

Plus, what other stadium can boast that it once had a marble façade?

When it's almost your 2,000th birthday, you're lucky to still be standing, let alone to be so popular. There's a number of reasons for the Colosseum's damaged appearance on top of the effects of time, from fire and earthquakes to opportunistic builders capitalizing on spolia (repurposing old stone for new structures).

The Colosseum did manage to stay in its prime for almost two centuries before disaster really struck. In 217 AD, the Colosseum's wooden upper level was badly damaged by fire, and in 443 AD it sustained more damage from a major earthquake.

On top of that, as Christianity rose, the popularity of gladiatorial battles declined and after 435 AD there's no more mention of them in the Colosseum. The arena still remained in use for animal hunts, but its heyday had long since passed. Another earthquake in 1349 AD saw more damage done, with the outer south side collapsing.

People lived there during the Middle Ages

After the Colosseum's use as an arena began to falter, the citizens of Rome got creative with its purpose. From the end of the 9th century until the 14th, residents lived inside the amphitheater! Alongside the humble homes were workshops and even stables.

There was more to see than just gladiators

Elaborate set-dressing was also a major part of the games, with the Colosseum often transformed to appear as a whole new setting. Plants would be brought in and elaborate scenes would be set up for animal hunts (Venatio).

It's got more than one name

The world's biggest amphitheater was also dubbed the Amphitheatrum Flavium after the dynasty who created it. So, then why the Colosseum?

Well, outside the arena stood a 100-foot-tall bronze statue of the Emperor Nero. Inspired by the Colossus of Rhodes, it's theorized that this colossal memorial to Nero is where the Colosseum gets its name from.

• It's the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built and still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world today!

• The home of ancient Rome's gladiatorial battles

• It was capable of holding 80,000 Roman spectators during its peak

• One of the most important sights to see in all of Italy and it's open to the public all year round

• Spend more time inside when you book in advance

• Can be combined with a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

• There's a variety of options available, including guided tours, night tours, and audio guides

Millions have passed through the gates of the Colosseum over the centuries – lucky for you, it's easier than ever to gain access.

Make sure you book in advance – lines can stretch for hours, especially during the summer high season, and vouchers are usually sold out by the time you arrive at the venue.

While you are at it, make it a day and explore more of what Rome has to offer with combo admission that includes the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Mamertine Prison – all within a short walking distance of the Colosseum.

Colosseum access includes:

• Guided tours – partner up with a passionate historian or archeologist and discover more about the ancient Roman arena!

• Combined admission fees for surrounding sights, like the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and the Mamertine Prison

• Access to the arena floor, where legendary gladiators once stood

• You can visit the venue at any time during opening hours, with or without a guide

• To avoid the crowds, book in the morning, just before closing, or on a weekday

• Most areas of the venue are wheelchair accessible, including an elevator

• Leave your luggage at the hotel – backpacks and luggage are not permitted inside the Colosseum

• Stay hydrated on your tour and bring an empty water bottle – there are refill stations inside the venue