Colosseum

The Colosseum is surely one of the most charming works in Rome and it shows loudly the exceptional imperial architectural skill. Being the heritage of UNESCU since 1980, it is the most famous emblem in the world of the Eternal City.

Its several-thousand-year-old history gave it a considerable significance. Emotions we feel when we observe its grand magnificence are always deep and indescribable. Staying in a Bed and Breakfast or in a Flat in the area of Colosseum means to live its history and feel the immortality attained by man through art..

The Colosseum was started by the Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian family in 72 AD, in fact it was originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre. He decided to build it in the basin of the artificial lake that was hollowed out for Nero’s Domus Aureus, who was an usurper of public land. Vespasian made the lake drained and destined it for public use in order to stress the differences between his predecessor.

The Colosseum was opened in 80 AC by Vespasian’s son and successor, Titus. Its opening was celebrated with 100 days of games in which thousands of animals and gladiators fought. According to the historian Svetonio more than 5000 animals were killed. Occasionally the arena was filled with water in order to begin one of the most exciting performances, called naumachias, that were reconstructions of famous naval battles.

The work that we see today, even if it is impressive and extraordinary, is only the skeleton of the original Colosseum.

In the Middle Ages, the Colosseum was neglected and fell into disuse; its importance was not recognized and so it was used as a cava for the construction materials. It was covered up with white marble, which was demolished to allow Popes to build Piazza Venezia, Palazzo Barberini and St. Peter’s Square.

If you stay in a Bed and Breakfast or in a Flat in the area of Colosseum you could also visit many other sites of great historical and artistic interest, such as the Basilica of St. Maria Maggiore, the Imperial Forum and  Circo Massimo, which are all a few minutes’ walk away. You could also move freely to reach the furthest places in a short time through the comfortable stop of the line B of the subway "Colosseum"!

The lovers of shopping could be devote themselves to purchases by walking along the surrounding streets full of fashionable shops and many local and foreign restaurants.

Night-clubs are also very important. The most alternative places in the city have the Colosseum in the background and are becoming more and more crowded by the roman night life.