Europe,  Italy,  Rome,  TDM,  Travel Journal

The Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum – Rome (Italy) #7

Today, I take my courage in both hands to write this article. This is one of the last articles about Rome as we visited the Colosseum was our second visit, just after the Vatican. Well yes, because I didn’t like it.

Part 1: Travel Diary
Part 2: Practical Tips

Part 1: Travel Diary

I visited quite a few ruins anyway, especially in Turkey but I think that the Coliseum, classified as one of the New 7 Wonders, has set the waiting bar a little too high. For information, on the New 7 Wonders of the World, we could visit 5 of them: The Chinese Wall, Christ the Redeemer in Rio, the Taj Mahal, the Chichen Itza and thus the Colosseum. I think that this list is a little bit rigged because one time out of two, we are a little disappointed.

The Coliseum has its own subway station, it’s too much class. There are several streetcars and buses that pass in front of it. Limit, all roads lead to the Coliseum 😀

Even if Rome is empty of tourists everywhere else, the Colosseum is still full of people. Tickets can be bought on site, but it is better to buy online to avoid the queue

The Colosseum is the largest ovoid amphitheater in the world, built to accommodate more than 50,000 spectators.

The place witnessed the death of hundreds of thousands of people and animals. Yes, there were not only gladiators but also exotic animals. Naval battle re-enactments were also held here. To cover the place, a sail was used, stretched by sailors on the peaks provided for this purpose. Moreover, a miniature of the Colosseum at the time of its glory can be seen here. Unfortunately, its beautiful marble facade was removed to build St. Peter’s Basilica.

I don’t know if it’s the loss of splendor of the Colosseum, or the bloody past of the place that makes me not like to visit it so much? Moreover, I didn’t like the much too long text of the audio guide, and the very long explanations of the panels, where everyone is gathering to read.

very nice view from the Coliseum

Below the ground is an incredible network. Backstage in a way, but laid bare before our astonished eyes. There are a few rows of marble reconstituted so that we have a small idea of the splendor of the place, otherwise the rest is only ruins.

As you can see, there are tourists visiting the Coliseum on the other side. This is another type of entrance ticket. Apparently, they have access to more things than us, I didn’t really understand the difference.

Mount Palatine & the Roman Forum

Our ticket gives access to the Roman Forum and Mount Palatine within 24 hours of visiting the Colosseum but we visit it all right away. There are two entrances, the one right in front of the Colosseum is usually full , and the smart ones go through the other entrance so they don’t have to wait, but at the moment there is no one there anyway.

It’s still very hot so I have difficulty walking through all these ruins. We decide to go up in height to see the whole, instead of walking for hours in the sun.

Our next article in Rome is here

Part 2: Practical Tips

You will find the addresses & places mentioned in this article on the personalized Google Maps I made with my sister for Italy here.

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