The Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

With a reserved time slot, you'll get to skip straight to the action using your Roma Pass. Home to ancient Gladiator fights, learn about the history of the Colosseum through its ruins and artifacts, and walk around this 2,000-year-old amphitheater. Then, discover the ancient city of Rome at the Roman Forum before walking up Palatine Hill for breathtaking views.

Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass

• Skip the general ticket line for quicker entry – no need for individual Forum and Colosseum tickets, it's all on one pass.
• Tick the Colosseum off your bucket list and visit the Roman Forum.
• Take a walk up Palatine Hill for spectacular views.

Who doesn't want to see The Colosseum when they’re in Rome? This, plus a trip to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill will only further your ancient Rome experience and you'll see some of the most famous Roman landmarks along the way.

Built over 2,000 years ago the Colosseum was built as an amphitheater to host the city’s entertainment – and notoriously, the gladiator fights. It was designed to hold over 50,000 people and had a warren of underground tunnels as well as a hierarchy of leveled seating. The Colosseum’s main spherical structure still stands today and visitors can explore its hallways and walk up its steps to be transported back in time.

The Roman Forum is a collection of ruins and historic buildings which used to be a bustling marketplace, where you can explore the iconic pillars and churches nestled in the old cobbled streets. The Palatine Hill includes 17th-century aviaries, an Imperial Palace, and huge retaining walls.

Did you know

• The floor of the Colosseum was made of wooden floorboards so that the gladiators wouldn’t slip – and more importantly, it was good at absorbing any bloodshed
• Miniature naval boat races were also held at the Colosseum, as well as the historical combats
• Palazzo Venezia and Palazzo Barberini used the marble from the Colosseum’s structure in their own construction
• Divided into tiers, the Colosseum had a ranking system in terms of seating: lower seats for the religious and political authorities with a special place for the emperor; then for the so-called “patrizi”, that is aristocrats and the knights; then for common people; then for poor people and for women.

Don't miss

The Colosseum's internal tiers - Walk around the top tier and hypogeum and tread where ancient spectators would have tread. Admire the vast building from every angle as you walk around almost 360˚. Notice where the building has crumbled from the destructive earthquakes – especially that of 847 which caused its southern side to collapse.

The Colosseum's underground tunnels - From above you can look down into the warren of tunnels underneath the floor of the Colosseum. Although the floor has been replaced in part to give an idea of how it would have looked, you can imagine how dark it would have been underground where the animals were kept and where the gladiators waited to be let into their fate…

House of Augustus - As the first site upon entering the Palatine Hill it’s hard to miss the House of Augustus. Home to Caesar Augustus during his reign – the grandnephew and heir to Julius Caesar – it contains a wide collection of frescoes and has been recently restored to give visitors an insight into Ancient Rome and its rulers.

Temple of Romulus - Called a titulo in Latin, the Temple of Romulus church is located in the Roman Forum and is truly a sight to behold. A stunning feat of architecture, the rotunda is decorated with two large bronze doors (dating to 300AD) and the apse was designed with a Roman-Byzantine mosaic – you can still see the original marble paving at the new entrance, too.

Arch of Septimus Severus - Built in 203AD the arch was built to commemorate the victories of Emperor Septimus Severus. Measuring 23m high and 25m wide, it’s one of the most preserved and intact monuments in the Roman Forum so it’s a great landmark to get a true sense of ancient Roman design and architecture through its intricate carvings.

This attraction is included with your Roma Pass, which gives you free entry to your choice of two Rome attractions, plus discounted entry to many more. It also comes with a 72-hour travel card so you can breeze between attractions with ease. 

Getting in: show your Roma Pass and proof of reservation for entry to the Colosseum. You'll just need to show your pass at Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. 

This attraction is part of your Roma Pass, which gives you free entry to two Rome attractions.