Colosseo
Rome, Italy
Rome’s 2,000-year-old amphitheatre. Don’t drive into the centre: park outside the ZTL and take the metro.
The Colosseum (Colosseo) is a Roman amphitheatre in the centre of Rome, Italy. Emperor Vespasian commissioned it in 72 AD, and his son Titus inaugurated it in 80 AD with games lasting a hundred days. It was originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre; the name Colosseum arose in the Middle Ages and refers to a nearby colossal statue of Nero.
The outer walls rise 48.5 metres in three tiers of arches. The stadium held about 50,000 spectators. Beneath the sand floor of the arena lay the hypogeum with rooms for scenery and animals. Gladiator fights were banned in the 5th century; later the building served as a fortress and a quarry. From 2014 to 2016 it received its first thorough cleaning in its history.
According to Lonely Planet the standard ticket includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, but not the arena floor and underground levels. Book online and in good time, often months ahead in high season. Allow about an hour inside and come early or in the late afternoon. Take Metro line B to Colosseo. Check current times and prices in advance.
- Nearest town
- Rome, Italy
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 41.8902, 12.4922
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- Rome: Limited traffic zone (ZTL). Cameras fine unauthorised vehicles in the historic centre, including hire cars. Park outside and walk or take transit; hotels inside may register your plate.
Sources
Nearby
.jpeg){kind=link}
Campsites nearby
- Area Sosta Camper RomaeMotorhome stopover5 km from Colosseo · 35 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- LGPMotorhome stopover5 km from ColosseoMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Village FlaminioCampsite8 km from ColosseoTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Seven HillsCampsite13 km from ColosseoTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToilets
- Fabulous VillageCampsite15 km from ColosseoTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Area sosta Mira Lago Roma EstMotorhome stopover16 km from ColosseoMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Colosseo?
Colosseo is in Rome, Italy, at GPS 41.8902, 12.4922. It is about 21 km from Castel Gandolfo.
Can you camp near Colosseo?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Area sosta camper Park Colombo, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 20 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Colosseo?
Places worth a stop nearby: Tomb of Caecilia Metella, Appian Way (5 km), Hadrian’s Villa (24 km), Villa d’Este (26 km) and Garden of Ninfa (51 km).
When is the best time to visit Colosseo?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)