Colossal gladiator arena. When we think of ancient Rome, we think of Caesars, gladiators, lions and Christians, thumbs-up, thumbs-down....and of the Colosseum, Rome's most enduring monument. As we tour the Colosseum inside and out, we'll stand where the emperors did, and catch the view from the nose-bleed seats. We'll talk about how this massive structure was built, and explore some of the Colosseum's surrounding. We'll also get a peek backstage at the gladiator games, where trained warriors squared off "mano y mano" in a battle to the death. Allow about an hour to see the Colosseum and experience the grandeur that was Rome. Don't forget to download the handy PDF companion map. Sightseeing nitty-gritty: There are often long lines to buy tickets to the Colosseum, so consult my guidebook about how to maximize your sightseeing time. The Colosseum's cost of €12 is part of a combo-ticket that also includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. It's also covered by the Roma Pass. Hours: The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill are all open daily 8:30 until one hour before sunset: April–Sept until 19:15, Oct until 18:30, off-season closes as early as 16:30; last entry one hour before closing. Tel. 06-3996-7700. The Colosseo Metro stop on line B is just across the street from the monument. Avoid ticket-buying lines by buying your combo-ticket at the less-crowded Palatine Hill entrance on Via di San Gregorio (facing the Forum, with Colosseum at your back, go left down the street). Or buy and print your combo-ticket online (€1.50 booking fee, www.ticketclic.it, same-day only). Or buy a Roma Sightseeing Pass (€23) at the "tabacchi" shop in the Colosseo Metro station, at the entrance to Palatine Hill, or at the entrance to the Roman Forum. Around the Colosseum, be on guard for pickpockets and the goofy gladiators who pose for pictures, then aggressively demand money. Tiny, crowded WCs are inside; the better, bigger, and cleaner WC is behind the Colosseum (facing ticket entrance, go right; WC is under stairway). For more specifics, consult my guidebook. This is excerpted from Rick Steves' Rome 2010. Copyright 2009 Avalon Travel. Related information at www.ricksteves.com.
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