It can’t be denied that one purpose of coming to Rome will be a visit to the Colosseum. Not as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World but as part of the great history of Rome where Colosseum played an important role. Everybody knows about Colosseum and Rome; it had been featured to many movies, magazines, advertisements and other publications. With this, the Colosseum is one must-visit attraction when in Rome.
When I planned my European trip, Rome was my first on the list to visit. In fact, I really made it my first destination in Europe. I arrived in Rome Fuimicino International Airport on May 6, 2012 on board Emirates A380 Flight EK 097 from Dubai. I was really excited when I arrived at the airport; I wanted to fast-forward the time so I can be at the center of Rome immediately. Though I didn’t have any activity on my arrival date until the following day.
In the morning of May 7, 2012, I woke up early to take my breakfast at the hotel. I am staying at Hotel Milton Roma, can be a walking distance to the Colosseum as I have already searched the travel options towards the place. After taking my breakfast, I fixed myself and walked my way towards the meeting place of my tour.
When booking my tour in Italy, I’ve done a lot of researches. I plan to have it done on my own and I am also planning of joining a group tour. When I came across the website of Viator, I am amazed that they have everything that I wanted. Not so much of a trust at first but I had been reading the reviews and it turned out to be outstanding so I tried to book for their services. But before I confirmed, I did some researches on the pricing if the tours offered by Viator were reasonably priced and it was. So I booked the Skip-the-Line Ancient Rome and Colosseum Half-Day Walking Tour.
We met at the park above the subway in front of the Colosseum. I arrived pretty ahead of time at the subway yet I was looking at the park on where it is. I was about to call the agent when I found out a stairway going up. I tried to sneak in and I’m glad I found what I’ve been looking for. There were few groups of people everywhere that I am pretty much observing and checking for my group. When I heard one tourist asking for a tour, it caught my attention and then I realized that it was not Viator who will do the tour. I took my voucher and double-checked the name of the tour company to take us to the Colosseum. I suddenly laughed at myself that the groups that I was looking at were my co-tourists on the same tour I booked. Dark Rome Limited will be taking us to the history of Rome.
I approached one lady holding some earphones and small transmitter with necklaces. I asked her if I am included on the list and yes I was. She told me to stay on one area while we are waiting for others to arrive. While waiting, I am keeping myself busy on taking photos of the Colosseum. I really have the smile on my face that the once seen only on TV is right in front of me now and in a while, I will be stepping on it also. I am really that excited for the tour.
When all participants were complete, the lady called us to gather and handed each one of us a transmitter. While doing the walking tour, our guide will only be speaking thru her microphone and we will only be hearing her insights thru our earphones she provided. She oriented us that the entire tour will last for three hours so much better if we are quite prepared for it. She asked us to follow her while walking down the stairs going to the Colosseum grounds. While walking, she was discussing some insights on the area that there should be a river before near the Colosseum and all. I’m sorry, as I already forgot some of it.
When we reached the area near the entrance, she instructed us to wait while she’s buying our entrance tickets. Our tour is just a small group and it will cover the access to the dungeon and the third level of the Colosseum. Only few tours are offering the same and only limited numbers of tourists are allowed to enter the dungeon and the third level. We were lucky we were one of them. The bonus of our tour is literally the skip-the-line access to the Colosseum.
I have noticed when I arrived at the Colosseum that early morning, there were plenty of people in the area and on queue even if the ticketing booth were still closed. By paying maybe some extra fees, we have avoided the hassle on the queue and went directly to the gates as soon as we have the tickets. We have save our time and energy with this idea.
Walking at the corridor inside the Colosseum, I saw huge stone pillars everywhere. As per our guide, it took several years to build those and even transporting the solid stones took the builders years to do it manually. There were markings of history at the pillars wherein you will see some holes and other carves due to the several wars it had withstood. Yet the Colosseum proudly gained praises as until now it stood the hands of time.
We proceed to the second level of the Colosseum now seeing an overview of the inside of the amphitheater. It was huge! Could you imagine how it was built that it is believed to hold 50,000 to 80,000 visitors? While the Colosseum is known for the fights of gladiators, it was also used for some other gatherings and celebrations. Though earthquakes and stone-robbers damaged parts of it, we’re still lucky that most of it were preserved so future generations may have a look into it. There were on-going restorations on some parts of the Colosseum though.
We had our chance of taking pictures at one viewpoint wherein tourist were allowed to come. Since we went inside ahead of the crowd, we managed to take nice shots there. Then we proceed to the dungeon. The access of the dungeon was on the other side of the Colosseum and it is limited to tourist who availed on the same tour we had. We were the first group to come inside so we had the place almost to ourselves.
We walked further along the side of the Colosseum until we reached one access entrance gate. We passed there and I was surprised on where we went, we were at the stage of the stadium. The stage that we saw on the other side where we took our first photos were actually the stage we’re standing at right now. I am in awe seeing the vast amphitheater on the side.
As part of the restorations made at the Colosseum, they have re-constructed the stage of the stadium using the same material as it was originally built. Only a portion of the stage were restored so the chambers that were exposed will remain a highlight of the stadium. By walking at the edge of the stage, you will really have a closer look at the chambers. It was believed that each chamber has its designated rooms for the gladiators, the beasts and even the slaves. She also explained how the fights were being staged and how they are lifting the beast up the stage. Portions of the chamber have an improvised elevator to carry the beast up the stage.
We had fun at the stage and now we’re going down to the dungeon. The portion that is allowed for tourists will only be limited to the chambers under the stage. The chambers were built from huge stones interconnected to each other. At the dungeon, some areas there were shown to us like how they built the canals inside the complex. Our guide mentioned that there were times that the Colosseum was literally been flooded for a show.
We just spent few minutes at the dungeon and we walked back up the stage then back to the entrance of the second level of the amphitheater.
At the second level, we went left to an access to the third level. Only limited numbers of tourists are allowed at the third level and we were one of those. At the third level, I am mesmerized with the beauty of the complex now seeing almost the whole of it. Seeing the complex in a wider perspective is awesome. And that concludes our tour at the Colosseum.
I am thankful that I booked this tour at Viator. I am also thankful to our guide Franchesca of Dark Rome Limited for the very informative insights that she shared to us. The Skip-the-Line thing on our booking is perfect. The access to the dungeon and the third level is a plus.
Been here: May 7, 2012
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