Describing it as absolutely incredible pretty much sums up this experience. It's amazing to see this huge landmark/building/structure still standing considering it is an architectural and engineering wonder, built almost 2000 years ago. You walk inside and instantly feel as if you are an extra in the movie Gladiator.

The Colosseum was originally designed to hold 50,000 spectators, and it had approximately 80 entrances, so crowds could arrive and leave easily and quickly. Built (over 10 years) by the Flavian emperors in the first century AD as a gift to the Roman citizens and inaugurated by Titus. He celebrated the opening by holding 100 days worth of games. It was the first permanent amphitheater to be built in Rome covering almost 6 acres of land. Constructed in an elliptical shape - or at least that was the plan - this stadium gave Romans the opportunity the "enjoy" games while feasting on meals provided by the wealthy. Below the wooden arena floor, there was several sets of rooms and passageways for wild beasts as well as staging areas for the spectacles.

It is interesting to note that the Colosseum was not used for feeding Christians to the lions, gladiators fought and lost their lives instead. The last gladiatorial combat was recorded in 404 after which it is said that the locals grew tired of the games and killings and more importantly there was a lack of funds to support the tremendous expense invloved in organizing the shows. During the Middle Ages the Colosseum was used as a fortress and later used for "parts" to complete other buildings such as the Vatican.

Tours are available, but we wanted to just get in and look around. Today, many of those original 80 entrances have been closed off for safety reasons, as well as to control the ticket-paying crowd. It cost 8 Euro per person, and the line was minimal. If you get there and the line is crazy (which we heard it generally is), go to Palentine Hill and buy your tickets up there. The tickets are good for both locations and there is rarely a line there. Hours were 9am to 4pm or 9am to 6pm, depending on what time of year you went.

A lot of the original marble is now gone (it was used on the Vatican long before us), but the structure is still every bit worth the visit. While the floor of the Colosseum is off limits, you can look down and see the passageways, rooms, and elevator areas in the basement. Walking around allows you the opportunity to realize the true size of the incredible piece of history. I think it's almost misleading from the outside and most certainly from pictures. A must see while in town. I still shake my head when I think of it.

You know it was Vespasian, the Emperor who commissioned the building, who introduced the notion of public holidays (or weekends) to the civilised world. It was his way of winning the support of his people and aren’t we all grateful to him! As you enter the Colisseum, through one of the 80 arches, and queue for your admission, you can get a real feel of the excitement that would have been generated in Ancient Rome. The noise of the crowd echoes through the covered walkways and even the sound of a whisper will be magnified through the building.

We were approached as we queued by guides offering a speedy entry to the Colisseum. We did not take them up on their offer, and in truth, we entered the arena before some of the fast-track groups. Be aware that their offer does not come cheaply.

It really is not difficult to imagine the scene in AD 80; the exhilaration that must have been felt by the crowd as the gladiators entered and the animals were released from the intricate complex of underground rooms, passages, and cages (these are clearly evident from the terraces). All you must imagine is the arena floor that would have hidden them from view. Imagine too the complicated mechanism for supporting the giant awning, or velarium, that would have covered the whole of the arena offering shade to the spectators – these Romans thought of everything – and would have been anchored to the bollards that you will have seen on the outside of the building.

Stand in the podium area of the arena and consider the view that the Emperor would have had of the "games" and the huge crowd that had gathered there.

As you wander up and down the steps of this giant theatre, take time to gaze on the views from within the coliseum to the outside world and note the variety of herbs, grasses, and wild flowers that have made this building their home.

Back to the internal corridors, you will be able to view the huge number of statues that adorn your route, look a bit closer and you will be sure to find one of the many temporary exhibitions that are arranged. The Colisseum is a wonderful experience: use your imagination, take your time (there is no rush or time limit to the time you spend here), and enjoy this truly majestic sight.

Go with a tour - you always learn more, and you don't feel like you cheated your way through the history. There is always a group looking to recruit a few extras outside the gates, and then you don't have to wait in line, like we did. Also, try the restaurant across the street outside of the underground station... the eggplant panini is fabulous!