One of the 7 Wonders of the World since 2007, the Colosseum is the unequivocal symbol of the Imperialistic Rome.
It was built under Emperor Vespasian between 72 and 83 a.D. as his gift to the people of Rome.
We are talking about a gigantic building at the time
Its original name is “Amphitheater Flavio”, because it was built by the Flavia Dynasty.
Located where Nero’s private residence, the Domus Aurea, used to be. A monumental residence, that spread from the Palatine Hill all the way to the Esquiline Hill. In one of the “small” halls of the Domus Aurea once was the famous Colossus of Nero. An imposing 38 meters-tall Bronze statue, to highlight and amplify the “magnitude” or the ego of its owner, some might say. No one knows exactly for how long the statue was standing, or for how long, some say until the 4th and the 7th Century a.D. And there are so many legends involving its disappearance, because the statue at some point in time, has vanished.
But how can you simply move a statue that big without making a fuss?
Some say that a devastating earthquake broke her down, others say that it was stolen during the famous sack of Rome, but who knows.
Because of its enormous proportions and because it used to stand tall in front of the Amphitheather, even though the Statue is nowhere to be found today, the term Colosseum is officially coined by the people of Rome. A tribute to that tall-standing representation of Imperial Rome: Even though, the original name is Anfiteatro Flavio, it will always be the Colosseum to the Romans.
The Colosseum was built for entertainment, primarily. For all sorts of gory games.
Try to imagine, Emperor Titus, back in the 81st Century a.D., rise from the bastions, to announce the first Games that would last a hundred days, in front of a swarm of men, gathered by the thousands in a festive crowd (the Colosseum could host up to 50 thousand spectators!)
And games that came for centuries to come, of hunting, battle reenactments, fights, adapting to satisfy new requests and styles, changing in time, including Gladiator fights.
But not everybody could enter the amphitheater. To see the games you had to own a sort of membership card, made of different materials including bronze and copper, that had inscribed the number of the entrance arch the member had access to. With the beginning of Christianity, the Gladiator games were not so requested by the spectators anymore, so they were gradually replaced with hunting scenes, and the last Gladiator fight in the history of the Colosseum took place in 523 aD.
At the end of its glorious era, the Colosseum shut down and was abandoned. But it was later repurposed as quarry, from which was extracted the materials used to built some important buildings in the city of Rome. Including Saint Peter’s Basilica, possibly the most important of all.
In Gladiator times, the Colosseum earned an unfathomable and horrific fame: aside from the thousands of deaths, this place also hosted gory rituals and its said that witches and sorcerers used to pick wild herbs there, that grew inside the amphitheater, in the 1500s.
Thousands of years of history, shaped in a caldron of so many creeds, traditions, engineering, cultural facts and customs.
But as we know, its fame becomes Worldwide possibly thanks to the dozen of movies, featuring Ancient Roman times. Including the most recent: Ridley Scott’s, Oscar winning film, the Gladiator. With actor Russell Crowe. Who’s devotion to Rome is palpable through his lead in this movie, filmed 22 years ago, but also through his visits, every so often, in the Eternal city. Only recently this summer, did he jokingly Tweet a picture of him and his family at the feet of the Colosseum, saying “Taking the kids to see my old office“. And earlier this month he was nominated Ambassador of Rome in the World, by the mayor of Rome. Of course, who better than Massimo Decimo Meridio to fit the role of Rome’s Ambassador in the World? But he is not the only one to be bewitched by the power of the Eternal city and its buildings.
The Colosseum is a symbol and evocative testimony. A prolonged connection of Rome and its people, with the past. An extension, to this day, of a majestic, crafty and powerful lot of human beings. No wonder it attracts thousands of visitors each year: there is nothing like it.
you may be interested:
Have you ever imagined just how incredible the story behind the mighty Colosseum really is? Well this private tour is the perfect opportunity to learn all about it An exclusive tour of the Colosseum with your very own fun and entertaining guide! Everything will be take care of for you. All you have to do is get ready to enjoy this amazing Exclusive Colosseum tour! Meet with your guide in Via San Gregorio, adjacent to the Colosseo. After a quick introduction, the tour begins! What is there to say about this site? Where to start? The Colosseum was declared one of the World's Seven Wonders in 2007. It was built between 72 and 83 a.D by the Roman Emperor Vespasian. It is a massive amphitheater that could host an immense amount of spectators. Over 50 thousand people to gathered to view gory, gruesome games, anything from Hunting scenes, to animal killings and gladiator fights. Visit the Colosseum in the most interesting and entertaining way! The Colosseum is certainly one of the most important monuments of ancient Rome. You will learn about the gladiators, the emperors, and society that attended to the gruesome spectacles, that this amphitheater hosted. Your guide will then lead you into the Roman forum, known as the heart of the ancient city and Roman Empire. The first Roman civilization began here. Legendary for its contribution in Christianity’s evolution, it became the administrative and commercial center of ancient Rome. Last but not least, the Palatine Hill! The Palatine Hill is located in the heart of the Seven Hills of Rome. It is one of the most ancient parts of the city and has been called “the first core of the Roman Empire.” It overlooks on the Roman Forum on one side and the Circus Maximus on the other. We don't want to spoil your experience any longer. Just know that your private guide will give you a tour to remember in a lifetime!
price from €80.00
As if a day in Rome wasn't enough, we will take you for a private tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel! A private tour in Rome to remember Enjoy a full day tour in Rome and the Vatican City with your private luxury vehicle. Your personal tour driver will pick you up directly from any place you want, from your hotel or other. And your tour begins! Drive by Piazza Venezia,the impressive circular square, with buildings and monuments enclosing it. With the infamous Balcony from which Mussolini gave his speeches, on one side. Or L'Altare della Patria, Monument to the last king of Italy Vittorio Emanuele the Second, a giant marble white, ancient temple-shaped building that climbs on the side of one of Rome's legendary Seven Hills, Capitoline Hill. Also known as Campidoglio, it hosts incredible views of the Piazza Venezia on one side and the Roman Forum on the other, the perfect division between the ancient Roman past and the present. Speaking of Ancient Roman times, you will head for the Colosseum A stop to see the Mighty Colosseum up-close is definitely a must! Walk Ancient ways of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Drive by the Circus Maximus,a field used mostly for concerts and political events today, but it was once an arena used to entertain Romans while they watched and cheered during water spectacles, fights or reenactments. It was often used as movie sets, like in the film BenHur. To remain in the Roman theme, circle back around into the City Center, characteristic for it's narrow cobble streets that lead to so many wonders. Like the Pantheon! An ancient Roman Temple with a beautifully decorated dome and an incredible history. Created in ancient times, to worship All Gods, it is now one of the active Catholic churches in Rome. To learn more about the Pantheon, visit our blog! Then there's Piazza Navona, not to far from there. A Renaissance delight, with incredible architectures and beautiful fountains, like the Four Rivers fountain, by Bernini. The streets filled with cute little boutiques, old buildings, ivy crawling over the facades and window sills, reveal beautiful wonders, that you will not find in any other place on Earth! Like the Spanish Steps. A beautiful street with the famous sets of stairs that climb into the shape of a giant butterfly up to the square of Trinità dei Monti, which offers incredible views of the Spanish steps below and the busy Via dei Condotti, famous for the most in vogue haute couture stores. One of the adjacent streets hides possibly the most famous Fountain in the WORLD The Trevi Fountain is another mandatory stop. Embedded in a tiny little square, is the world famous fountain. With sculptures of different water related scenes, sea shells, dancing horses and Poseidon. Waterfalls and pools of crystal clear water. What an amazing work of art. Make sure to toss a coin over your shoulder and make a wish! Legend has it, it will guarantee your return in Rome. All this touring can sure work up an appetite! Lucky for you, all of our tour drivers not only know the perfect places to see in Rome, they also love food and know the best restaurants in town! So your tour driver will be happy to recommend the perfect restaurants, trattorias or pizzerias depending on what you are in the mood for. Finally, you driver will take you at the Vatican Museums where you will continue the tour to explore the Museums and the Sistine Chapel! Prepare to sigh! We dare to find something as beautiful as the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel *Upon request, we can arrange one of our qualified guides to take you to a once in a life time experience inside the Vatican. Not to mention, you'll be able to also visit the Basilica of Saint Peter aside from the Museums and Sistine Chapel. In fact, since the entrance in Basilica is free and they've devoted its access only from outside, all the way in Saint Peter's Square, our personal guide would be able to have access of the Basilica from inside the Museums, through an exclusive entrance for guides. So this is certainly something to consider, should you want to include Saint Peter's Basilica to your tour. Other wise you will enjoy your time inside the Museums and Sistine Chapel alone, freely and at your own pace! Without having to stick to a strict itinerary a guided tour would inevitably have. Just know that depending on the number of visits in a day, some wings might be closed. But this won’t matter at all, we can assure you, there is just so much to see, you’ll hardly even notice! To fully assist you, we do offer the possibility of adding Skip the line tickets with privileged entrance directly during the booking process. At the entrance, the customer service will hand you a map of the site, for you to explore the different areas of the Museums and the Sistine Chapel! What you will experience would includes is a system of wings and halls and terraces, including the Cortile Della Pigna, Belvedere, Pio Clementino Museum, the Gallery of Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Maps, and Raphael’s Rooms. Next, you will visit the beautiful Sistine Chapel. The breathtaking, overwhelmingly beautiful creation for you to admire! From there, you'll head back to the exit, a trod on the famous cylindrical stair case. Another undisturbed masterpiece, called "Momo" designed by an Italian architect in the 1930s, inspired by Bramante's double helix staircase from the 1500s, inside the Pio Clementine Museum, a wing of the Vatican Museums. From the Momo stair case you'll exit the Museums to find your private tour driver eager to hear your opinions on the experience. And you'll return to your Hotel location in Rome in time for the afternoon tea.
price from €87.50
Welcome in Rome! There is really no better way to start a Roman vacation than with this private tour. One of our personal tour driver will welcome you at your hotel or any other place of your convenience in Rome, to whisk you away, on a 7 hour trip through history, art, archeology and the basic Rome way of living that is just a delight and so interesting to experience. This Tour of Rome will start off with a stop in the famous Piazza Venezia a famous circular square constantly beaten by hundreds of cars and vespas and motorini (what we call mopeds and bikes). While horns are blaring in the traffic, passerby's always in a hurry and the famous Italian charm for hand gestures and raised voices the main constant, all you will notice is the monumental structure overlooking the Piazza. A monument dedicated to Italy's last king Victor Emanuel the Second, and resting place of the Unknown soldier. A fallen soldier from WW1 that is laid to rest there to honor and tribute every Italian soldier who's fought and fallen in every war old or recent. You can notice An imposing horseman in a giant bronze statue, overlooking the entire city center, to magnify the importance of the Italian Kingdom in its glory days. And just above is a building, temple-like in structure, with white marble steps and columns, placed on top of one of Rome's legendary hills. Italian flags hanging on it's ends. This monument is really hard to miss. Fun fact: The monument of Victor Emmanuel, officially called Altare della Patria (the Altar of the Nation) is also known simply as the wedding cake. For it's distinctive shape, built in white, marble layers, one floor after the other. Resembling a big white wedding sheet cake. This altar shares its space with Capitoline Hill, Capitol Hill or simply known as Campidoglio. It is one of Rome's 7 hills placed in between Campus Martius and the Roman Forum, and it is head of the Roman Government, With an incredible square commissioned by Pope Paul the third and created by Michelangelo himself in the 16th century. But Capitol Hill does not only hosts Rome's City hall, the Mayor's office and the Capitolini Museums (which offers a vast amount of marble artifacts, artwork and other curiosities from Roman times) but it offers AMAZING VIEWS of the city below, on one end of the hill is Piazza Venezia, Campus Martius and modernization, on the other the Ancient citadel of the Roman Forum. A perfect balance between present and the past. Speaking of Roman Forum, you absolutely go across Via dei Fori Imperiali, an ancient way in Rome that crosses this part of town, with the Forum's archeological site on both sides. Envision Temples, Market places, Marble buildings and life conducted in these squares centuries ago. This is where Roman Senate would reunite, where citizens would gather to worship archaic divinities and conduct their business. To keep the Ancient Roman theme alive, walking straight through the ancient Roman Forum you will arrive at the Colosseum The one and only Colosseum, the Flavian Amphitheater An ancient, imposing structure built to delight and entertain the people of Rome, in the prime of its years. With gory, cruel hunts and gladiator fights but also fun scenes of Naval battles, where they would fill the Arena with water and float around in ships. A colossal building in the heart of Rome, to gather the people, to bring people together. We absolutely recommend a stop here. But Rome is full of wonderful things to see, in a fun, intuitive and entertaining way. With squares, steps and fountains and churches. Take Piazza Navona for example The most extravagant of Rome’s Square, adorned with the fountain of The Four Rivers by Bernini, and the church of his rival, Borromini. Visit Piazza Della Rotonda, where you can see the Pantheon, the best preserved and enchanting monument of ancient times. The Spanish Steps A wonderful square, world famous for the beautiful stair case that comes down from Trinità dei Monti with beautiful views of Via dei Condotti, intersecting with via del Corso. The most "In" streets for shopping, with great boutiques and haute couture. Walking along the narrow streets you can find other curiosities such as the mighty Pantheon on Piazza della Rotonda, the once temple dedicate to All the Gods, the Ancient Roman building is now an active Catholic church. Then, of course there is the Trevi Fountain, a little further down the streets. Make sure to take tons of pictures of this magnificent fountain that attracts so many people from all over the world, in that small square. This private tour is a whirlwind of emotions! You'll be catapulted into the Middle Ages, Ancient Roman Times, then to Renaissance times, and back to Roman times. With a stop to grab a quick bite to eat, if you like. Your tour driver will know the perfect place. In fact, near the end of the tour, you will have to make another mandatory stop at the Aventine Hill, another majestic hill, hosting picture perfect views of the Eternal City. Then head to the Circus Maximus, where chariot races were performed in imperial Rome, as we can see in one of the classic American movies, Ben Hur. At the end of the tour, your tour driver will take you wherever you like to be dropped off at, hotel or other. This itinerary can be tailored and can change, so it's not a strict preview. All this is just to give you a taste of all the wonderful places you could see during your time out on the streets of Rome. *Upon request, the icing on the cake would be to reserve one of our professional guides: if you want to enrich your activity, we highly recommend selecting the service of one of our expertise guides for the day!
price from €87.50
Explore the Imperial Splendor of Ancient Rome with a Private Guide Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Ancient Rome with a tailored private tour that unveils the secrets of one of history’s most remarkable civilizations. This exclusive journey offers an in-depth exploration of Rome’s most iconic monuments, bringing to life the stories, triumphs, and mysteries of the ancient empire. Step Inside the Iconic Colosseum Your experience begins at the world-famous Colosseum, a marvel of engineering and a symbol of Roman power. As your personal guide reveals the fascinating history of this iconic amphitheater, you’ll gain insight into its construction, its use as an arena for epic spectacles, and the role it played in Roman society. Walk the Sacred Path of the Via Sacra From the Colosseum, stroll along the Via Sacra, the sacred pathway of triumphal processions, leading to the Roman Forum. Uncover the Secrets of the Roman Forum This bustling heart of Ancient Rome was the center of commerce, religion, and politics. Here, you’ll uncover the stories of influential figures, legendary events, and the architectural wonders that defined the Forum as the beating heart of the empire. Marvel at Capitoline Hill and Piazza del Campidoglio The journey culminates at the summit of Capitoline Hill, one of Rome’s legendary Seven Hills. From this vantage point, marvel at sweeping views of the ruins of the empire and imagine the grandeur of ancient times. The tour concludes at the elegant Piazza del Campidoglio, a Renaissance masterpiece designed by Michelangelo, embodying the enduring legacy of Roman culture and political power. A Deeper Connection to Ancient Rome This comprehensive private tour is thoughtfully curated to offer not just a visual spectacle but a deeper understanding of how these monuments were built, their historical significance, and the captivating stories they hold. Your guide will enrich your experience with engaging facts and anecdotes, ensuring a visit that’s as educational as it is awe-inspiring. Embark on this time-traveling journey through the highlights of Ancient Rome, where every step connects you with the legacy of a civilization that shaped the world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, this tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into the wonders of the Eternal City. All enriched by the massive knowledge of our expert guide. For an entirely private guided tour! Let the magic of Rome’s imperial heritage captivate your imagination and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
price from €87.50
+39 06.999.77.65
+39 339.159.25.40
info@discoveryguidedtours.com
3 hours
