On Tuesday, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, visited Rome in order to attend a bilateral meeting. The meeting was with the Prime Minister of Italy, Georgia Meloni. They were in Rome, so they did as Romans did and ended up visiting one of the most legendary spots in the country. As a matter of fact, this spot is considered one of the man-made wonders in the world, Rome’s Colosseum. Here are all of the important details you would need about one of the most historic locations in the world.
Modi And Meloni Meet At Rome’s Colosseum
If reports are to go by, PM Modi and PM Meloni attended a dinner, and after that, they paid a visit to the Colosseum. Meloni shared a picture of the two at the Colosseum together on Instagram, which quickly went viral on social media.
The photo was shared on May 20, along with the caption, “Welcome to Rome, my friend.” The Colosseum in the background served as the perfect backdrop for their picture. The landmark has been added to the list of one of the seven wonders of the world.
If you’re curious to know more about this gigantic piece of human history, you’ve come to the right place. From information about visitors to the history of this place, here is a comprehensive unstumbled guide to the Colosseum.
Also Read: PM Modi Visits Thanthania Kalibari: Why This Temple Is Unique
What Is The Colosseum? A Brief History
We may call it Colosseum now, but for the longest time in its history, it was dubbed the Flavian Amphitheatre. It was constructed between 70 CE and 80 CE under the rule of Emperor Vespasian. However, the construction of this structure was only completed by his son, Emperor Titus.
It was originally built for the public to watch Gladiator fights, animal hunts, theatrical performances, mock naval battles, and large-scale public spectacles. The Gladiator fights were a particular favorite of the people at the time, and hordes would turn up to watch them.
Also Read: PM Modi Visits Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Here’s Why You Should Too
Why Is It Special? More About Its Architecture
The Colosseum has an elliptical design that spans 188 meters in length and 156 meters in width. Its height climbs up to an impressive 48 meters, very impressive for the day and age it was made in. In today’s terms, the colosseum is as tall as a 16-storey building.
It was designed to accommodate a whopping 50,000 to 80,000 spectators at a time. This makes it the largest amphitheatre to ever be constructed in the history of humanity. Even today, there is no amphitheatre as large as this one. This is a testament to its legacy.
Perhaps the only thing more impressive than this is the realization that it has also managed to withstand centuries of earthquakes, storms, rains, and winds, and is still standing today, largely intact, as a beacon of human ingenuity and Roman engineering. Surprisingly, the stones of the Colosseum have also been robbed!
What Is The Hypogeum?
One of the more impressive elements of the Colosseum is the underground Hypogeum. Essentially, the Hypogeum served as the backstage for the Colosseum. It is an intricate network of tunnels, corridors, cells, and machinery hidden from the public. It went down to two levels beneath the arena floor.
For gladiators, it was an area to prepare themselves for the upcoming fight; for animal hunts, it was used to store animals like lions, bears, and even elephants. These animals were winched up so that they would dramatically appear in the arena.
It was forgotten for centuries until archaeologists excavated the site. Now, you can get an immersive underground tour of this space.
Also Read: PM Modi To Inaugurate Delhi-Dehradun Expressway On April 14
How Much Does It Cost To Visit The Colosseum?
The Colosseum has a variety of packages:
Standard Entry Tickets: These start at €18 (approximately INR 1,700) and include access to the main arena floor level and the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Full Experience Tickets: These start at €24 (approximately INR 2,300) and include access to special areas, including the Arena Floor and the Underground hypogeum
It is important to note that the tickets should be booked online in advance through the official Colosseum ticketing website. The slots fill rapidly during peak season (April to October), and same-day tickets are rarely available.
Guided tours are available in multiple languages and offer a significantly deeper context on gladiatorial history and Roman architecture. Children under 18 from EU countries enter free; always check the official site for current concession rates before visiting.
What Is The Best Time To Visit It?
The best time to visit this legendary piece of Roman history is during spring and autumn. During the months of April to June and September to October, the weather is pleasant without being scorching hot. The crowds, too, are very manageable.
Avoid visiting during July and August as this is the peak tourist season in Europe. If you want a different experience, you can take a nighttime tour wherein the vibe of the Colosseum completely transforms into an entirely different experience.
Also Read: Prime Minister Narendra Modi To Inaugurate Phase 1 Of Noida International Airport On 28 March
Important Visitor Tips To Keep In Mind
- You will probably have to walk a lot, so remember to wear comfortable shoes.
- There are no water fountains inside the Colosseum, so carry a water bottle with you. It would be better if it were not a single-use plastic bottle.
- Since it’s an open amphitheatre, you’ll be in the sun. It is therefore imperative that you wear sunblock or sunscreen.
- There is a dedicated app for the Colosseum, and if you download it, you’ll be privy to a digital audio guide.
- If you wanna capture stunning photographs, you should go to the top of the Colosseum during sunset.
Summing Up
PM Modi and PM Meloni’s visit to the Colosseum has put it back in the tourist spotlight, and rightly so. This historic site deserves every bit of attention it gets. It’s a testament to the advanced architectural methods used by humans, even when they did not have modern technology. So, if you ever want to visit this particular ancient site, keep this unstumbled guide handy to prepare for the trip in advance. The Colosseum is not just an old site; it represents humanity and the mark those before us have left for posterity, just like the decisions of these powerful people.
FAQs
Why Did PM Modi Visit The Colosseum?
It’s a historical site and as such, is pleasant to visit.
Do The Colosseum Tickets Include The Roman Forum And Palatine Hill?
Yes, standard tickets also include entry to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.
Can You Book Tickets For The Colosseum Online?
Yes, booking tickets online is a great way to avoid long queues.
