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The Rome Coliseum is one of Rome’s most visited attractions and finest pieces of architecture.
It dates back to 72 AD. The Coliseum seated 50,000 spectators and hosted a variety of events including re-enactments of famous battles, classical mythology dramas and the more gruesome animal hunts and executions.
As an animal lover, the most fascinating (and disturbing fact) that I learned about the Coliseum was that 9000 animals, including elephants, tigers and lions were killed in the inaugural games. Its hard to believe that something I find so beautiful today, would have invoked fear in previous times. And that something so beautiful was the place of so many senseless deaths -both human and animal. I couldn’t have stomached witnessing that. Although I did make a pretty good gladiator at Gladiator School. I could look at the Coliseum for hours, but thought it was at its best at night.
When do you think the Rome Coliseum looks its best – day or night?
Thank you to HouseTrip for providing me with my apartment in Rome AND the most AMAZING VIEW I’ve ever had from any apartment or hotel I’ve ever stayed in – both photos were taken from the bedroom in the appropriately named Colosseo apartment where I stayed. It is located on the 3d floor (with elevator) of a beautiful 19th century Palazzo and sleeps up to ten people.
This photo has been submitted to Nancie at Budget Travelers Sandbox and Delicious Baby where you can see more travel photos.
Know Before You Go to to the Rome Coliseum:
- Purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines
- Try and visit the Coliseum at off peak times if possible
- The Coliseum is not nearly as busy at night and is worth walking around, checking it out from different sides
Ohh, it’s a hard choice, Laurel. I like them both so if I were staying at that hotel, it’s be easy to just stay at the window and watch the light change from day to night, snapping away. Great location. Can’t wait to read about your gladiator experience.
InsideJourneys recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday: Clouds over Jamaica
I love the Coliseum and would find it difficult to choose between day or night. . .maybe night because the darkness adds a bit more mystery and magic.
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I’d pick night – love the mood you captured at night. What a wonderful experience Laurel.
That’s one heck of a lot of animals killed – I wouldn’t want to be there either.
Leigh recently posted..Scenes from Ireland’s Skellig Islands
That is quite a view!! Very nice! I really like both the day and night shots of the coliseum. I think for walking around in the area, I prefer the day.
Sabrina recently posted..Texas Weekend Getaway: Galveston Beaches
What an incredible view! Love the night shot – we didn’t see it at night when we were in Rome so it’s nice to see what it looks like all lit up. Can’t wait to hear about gladiator school – I couldn’t talk my daughters into it when we were there!
Lisa recently posted..A Return to Eze
What a view, indeed! Lucky you!
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I think I’d have to take the night view as well. What a fantastic view!
Steve recently posted..The Insiders
Definitely more magical at night. Fabulous.
Sonja recently posted..Photo Friday: Matthias Church in Budapest
I’ve been fortunate enough to see it both day and night, and definitely vote for evening as well. BUT I’ve never stayed in an apartment with that view. VERY nice indeed.
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I love it at night- for sure. The passing cars and the lights- I just felt so much energy from it at night. Although walking around inside during the day was pretty amazing too! I think I just like it all the time- haha!
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I still regret not going inside because of the long lines! Such an amazing structure.
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Hi there Laurel! You certainly are having a wonderful time on your journey through Italy. I will take the Colosseum at both night and day…it’s spectacular in any light!
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Fabulous views – day AND night. Sounds like Umbria was a wonderful experience, too. Thanks again for looking out for the kid
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I like the night shot the best. What a great view!
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