Mediterranean · Italy

Colosseum of Rome

Historic Half day difficulty: Easy with kids: yes

The largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire, where gladiators fought before 50,000 people. After nearly 2,000 years and several earthquakes, it still stands in the heart of Rome.

The pop wink

Setting of the final battle in Percy Jackson's «The Mark of Athena»; here gladiators really did fight two thousand years ago.

With kids

Peer down at the open floor to see the tunnels where the beasts came out
Imagine together the arena full of people shouting 2,000 years ago
Count the arches on each level of the façade
Tell your son that the final battle of The Mark of Athena would be filmed here

Accessibility: 6+ years — a lot of walking, ideal with a kids' audio guide

With family

Go in with a guided tour and walk the level of the gladiators' arena
Cross over to the Roman Forum and the Palatine to see the whole ancient city
Have a gelato in the square as evening falls over the ruins
Come back at night to see it lit up, when it's almost empty

Full listing, routes and recommendations at Mi País — Colosseum of Rome. ← All destinations