Colosseum– One of the Seven Wonders of the World

My dream, which I had wanted to fulfill for a very long time, has finally come true, and I can now close this chapter of my life. I also plan to visit the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids, the Statue of Liberty, the Great Wall of China, and, of course, take a drive on the Nürburgring.

On July 25, 2024, my beloved and I flew to Rome. We arrived in Italy by our BMW, driving to Milan, where we left the car and then took a flight from Milan to Rome. This was much faster since driving would have taken nearly three times as long.

Our main plan for Rome was to visit the Colosseum and the Vatican, enjoy some pizza, and explore the city’s landmarks.

Summers in Italy, especially in July, can be extremely hot, but that didn’t stop us. We purchased our tickets to the Colosseum a day in advance on the official website. Early in the morning, we took the metro to the Colosseum. Since we had booked a hotel room nearby, the journey was quick. I wouldn’t recommend driving in central Rome as parking spaces are scarce, and most are already occupied. Public transport or taxis are a much better option.

The Colosseum: A Monument of Power and History

The first thing that strikes you about the Colosseum is its sheer scale. It is not just a ruin in the center of Rome but a true symbol of the power of Ancient Rome, a living monument to ambition, engineering genius, and the bloody entertainment of the ancient world.

Its history began in 72 AD when Emperor Vespasian, aiming to gain favor with the people, ordered the construction of a grand amphitheater on the site of Emperor Nero’s former Golden House. Eight years later, in 80 AD, his son and successor, Titus, officially opened the Colosseum with a spectacular series of games that lasted for 100 days.

This magnificent amphitheater, which could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators, became the center of mass entertainment. It hosted gladiator fights, wild animal hunts, public executions, and even naval battles—although the latter were likely rare. Each level of the Colosseum reflected a strict social hierarchy: the elite sat closest to the arena, while the common people occupied the upper tiers.

However, with the fall of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum gradually lost its purpose. In the Middle Ages, it was repurposed as a fortress, a workshop, residential housing, and even a quarry—its marble and stone were used to build cathedrals and palaces. Despite damage from earthquakes and looting, the Colosseum endured and became one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

Today, the Colosseum is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a powerful symbol of history, a reminder of both the grandeur and brutality of Ancient Rome. Millions of visitors come here each year to touch the past and feel the echoes of history still lingering within its majestic arches.

A Walk Through Time

To enter the Colosseum, we had to wait in a live queue for about 30 minutes. Once inside, the energy was overwhelming—it was as if history itself stood before our eyes, spanning thousands of years.

The Colosseum is in a somewhat ruined state, but, as far as I understand, modern sculptors do not interfere with its preservation, trying to maintain it in its most authentic form.

We spent over four hours exploring the Colosseum, taking countless photos to preserve the memories. Inside, you can also buy magnets and souvenirs, though there are cheaper options available just outside the Colosseum. Still, we decided to buy souvenirs inside to take home a piece of the energy of this place and support the official Colosseum shop.

The Colosseum is undoubtedly one of those places on Earth that must be visited at least once. It can make you rethink life, gain new insights, and find inspiration.