Arguably the most thrilling of Rome’s ancient sights, the 50,000-seat gladiatorial Colosseum should be on every traveler’s bucket list when visiting this city.

The amphitheater, once opulent with Corinthian, Doric, and Ionic pillars wrapped in travertine, marble statues, and ornate pilasters was abandoned to ruin when the Roman Empire fell during the 5th century. At its height, thousands of animals were slaughtered by gladiators for the entertainment of the Romans.

Structurally amazing, the Colosseum’s interior held a wooden floor arena covered in sand for soaking up blood, a cavea where spectators sat, and a podium where the VIP sat. Security is intense, so visitors should check the website for regulations.

Piazza del Colosseo, 1, Rome, Italy, Phone: +39-07-39-96-77-00

Campo de Fiori Casina Delle Civette Colosseum Galleria Borghese Galleria Sciarra Keats Shelley Memorial House Meridian Line of the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs Museo Nazionale delle Pasta Alimentari (National Pasta Museum) Pantheon Piazza Venezia Pyramid of Cestius Quartiere Coppede Roman Forum Santa Maria Della Concezione Spanish Steps St. Peter’s Basilica The Mithraeum at Circus Maximus The Roman Guy Torre Argentina (Roman Cat Sanctuary) Katie Parla Trevi Fountain Vatican Museums Casa Mia Villa Borghese Gardens Zuccari Palace

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