The Colosseum is a must-see for anybody visiting Rome, and it does not disappoint, especially when accompanied by tales of armor-clad gladiators and ravenous lions. This magnificent amphitheater epitomizes the force and drama of ancient Unsurprisingly, the Colosseum attracts over 7 million visitors a year.
There are three entrances to the Colosseum, each meant to cater to a different set of visitors and ensure a seamless visit for all 7 million + visitors.Having multiple entrances at the Colosseum also helps ease the crowd at this popular venue. Knowing the right Colosseum entrance will significantly cut down your waiting time and help you walk into this crown jewel of Rome with zero hassles Read on to know all about the three Colosseum entrances and which one you should opt for.
The Colosseum Tickets
The Colosseum Entrance | All 3 Entrances Explained
The individual guest entrance facing the forums is known as Sperone Valadier, after the architect who reconstructed this section of the Colosseum. This entry is for individual ticket holders. As the name suggests, this entrance is reserved for individual visitors. Visitors who have a time-scheduled ticket, guided tour ticket, audio and video guides ticket, or Roma pass, are allowed through this gate.
Parking near the entrance: Nearest parking space from this entrance is at T.parko Losseum
Average Waiting Times: The average wait time at Sperone Valadier is about 45 minutes, the entrance that has the longest queues.
This gate to the North side of Colosseum is only for groups of three or more with an authorized professional guide. A group must have a minimum of 14 people and a maximum of 50. Keep in mind that all group tours follow a strict schedule and you need to leave the location after the tour depending on what your ticket covers.
Parking near the entrance: Nearest parking space from this entrance is at T.parko Losseum.
Average Waiting Times: The average wait time here is about 15-20 minutes, depending on how many large groups are there at the time.
Stern gate is located on the opposite side of the main entrance. Stern is the name of the architect who designed the retaining wall at the entrance to the arena. This entrance is only for groups/schools or individuals lead by an accredited tour guide with tickets to the following areas of the Colosseum:
Parking near the entrance: Nearest parking space from this entrance is at Park Services Colosseum
Average Waiting Times: The average wait time at Stern Entrance is about 10-15 minutes, depending on the number of guided tour groups at the time. The Stern Entrance ensures quickest entry to the Colosseum.
The Colosseum Entrances - Map
Getting There
Colosseum is located to the east of Palatine hill and on the banks of the river Tiber, which runs through the city of Rome. While on a trip to Rome, here are some ways to get to the destination.
By Car
You can get to the Colosseum by car by taking Via Appia Pignatelli, Via della Navicella, and Via Celio Vibenna.
By Bus
You can take buses numbers 51, 75, 85. 87, 117, 118, and nMB and get down at the Colosseo bus stop.
By Metro
You can get to the Colosseum by metro by getting down at the Colosseo metro station.
Colosseum Entrances - A Short History
The Colosseum was designed to accommodate 50,000 to 80,000 spectators at a time. It was imperative to ensure that the massive crowds who flocked in were ushered in quickly and efficiently. When the Colosseum was constructed, there were 76 entrance gate arches, which were used by the general public. Along with this there 4 special un-numbered gates which were known as the Grand Entrances (North Entrance, South Entrance, Gate of Life & Gate of Death).
The walls leading from the numbered public entrances to the seats were plastered and painted white and red. The 4 un-numbered entrances, were used by the emperors, wealthy patricians, senators, visiting dignitaries and the Vestal Virgins. The walls leading from these entrances to the seats were decorated with paintings and stuccoes.
During gladiator games, the participants would enter through the Gate of Life – and exit the same way if they survived. Those who perished in battle were removed through the Gate of Death.
Among the 76 entrance gates of the Colosseum, only 3 entrances are in use today.
FAQs
There are three entrances at the Colosseum.
Colosseum tickets can be purchased on multiple platforms, including Headout, which offers Priority entrance tickets for Colosseum along with other special combos.
Yes, the Stern entrance is only for Colosseum Guided Tour Ticket holders.
The Individual Visitors Gate has the longest queues.
The Colosseum exit is about 100 meters from the entrance.
No, but parking garages can be found a small distance away from the entrances.
No, but parking garages can be found a small distance away from the entrances.
