The Colosseum of Rome: An Ancient Marvel Just Steps from Altarocca Embassy Rome

Rome is a city that never ceases to amaze: every corner tells a story, every stone holds centuries of civilization. Among its most iconic and globally recognized landmarks, the Colosseum stands as the beating heart of ancient Roman grandeur.

Staying at Altarocca Embassy Rome, located in the elegant and strategic center of the capital, means having all of this within walking distance, a perfect blend of modern comfort and timeless charm.

One Monument, a Thousand Stories

Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum, an enduring symbol of the Roman Empire’s power, was inaugurated in 80 A.D. under Emperor Titus. Built in just eight years, its opening was celebrated with 100 days of spectacular festivities.

The Colosseum could host up to 70,000 spectators, drawn to grand shows featuring gladiator battles, hunts with exotic animals, and even naumachiae, recreations of naval battles.

Timeless Architecture and Engineering

The Colosseum is an engineering marvel: three tiers of stacked arches, an advanced system of entrances (vomitoria) to ensure smooth crowd movement, and a vast underground hypogeum, a network of corridors and lifts used to prepare men and animals for the shows.

These events served as powerful tools of social control and imperial propaganda, allowing emperors to legitimize their rule by offering free entertainment and staging the theater of power.

“The Colosseum is more than just a monument. It’s a perfectly designed scenic machine, meant to astonish and dominate the masses.” (Andrea Carandini, Rome. The First Day, Laterza, 2007)

Decline and Revival

The last gladiatorial combat was held in 404 A.D. Similar events continued into the 6th century but gradually fell out of favor with the rise of Christianity.

During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the Colosseum was repurposed as a fortress and a source of building materials for churches and palaces. Major earthquakes—including those in 847 and 1349—caused much of the external structure to collapse.

From the 18th century, several popes recognized its sacred character and prohibited its use as a quarry. Restoration and excavation campaigns began in the 19th and 20th centuries, with the latest starting in the 1990s to preserve it as a universal heritage site.

The Colosseum Today

Today, the Colosseum is not just a monument: it is a living palimpsest of ancient history, architecture, politics, and society. From its construction under the Flavian dynasty to its role as a center of imperial power, and finally its modern revival as a cultural symbol and global site of reflection, the Colosseum continues to narrate the complexity of Roman civilization.

It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World
[Source: UNESCO – World Heritage Centre, whc.unesco.org].

Visiting the Colosseum

The Colosseum is open to visitors year-round. We highly recommend pairing your visit with the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which are included in the same entrance ticket. A guide or multimedia audio tour enriches the experience, helping visitors envision the amphitheater in its former glory, packed with enthusiastic spectators.

Guest tip:
Booking a skip-the-line ticket or an evening visit is the best way to avoid crowds and enjoy a more atmospheric experience—especially at sunset, when the travertine stone glows with golden hues.

Altarocca Embassy Rome: Your Refined Base in the Eternal City

After immersing yourself in the history and grandeur of ancient Rome, returning to Altarocca Embassy Rome is the perfect way to unwind. Our apartments offer the ideal balance of elegance, privacy, and functionality—perfect for travelers who wish to experience Rome with authenticity and style.

Located just minutes from Via Veneto and Villa Borghese, we are nestled in a peaceful yet central area, ideal for exploring both iconic landmarks and the city’s lesser-known gems.

Experience Rome with Altarocca: Culture, Comfort, and Class

Whether it’s your first time in Rome or a long-awaited return, the Colosseum will always be there to welcome you with its timeless power.
Let Altarocca Embassy Rome be your home in the heart of this ancient wonder.

Book your stay and discover Rome like never before.