Now that we have visited the 7 wonders of the world, we decided that whenever possible we will re-visit some of them to include our kids! On this trip life surprised us and the best way to get to Tel Aviv in Israel was stopping in Rome! Perfect chance to get that money shot with our little ones.
Our first visit to the Colosseum was in 2004, back then we were just out of high school and still dating... getting married and having kids was nowhere in sight. We took a guided tour on a bus from Milan to Nápoles and then a boat to Capri. It was our first trip to Europe ever, and the stop at the Roman colosseum was included!
Although a special stop, it wasn’t even as important to us as it is now... we will explain: Back then the Colosseum was not yet declared one of the new seven wonders of the world. It was in 2007 that more than 100 million people voted to declare the New Seven Wonders of the World. So in 2004 I remember clearly being more excited about visiting Venice, the Vatican and the leaning tower of Piza. Granted... our pics were horrible! Another reason to visit again! Here is how everything was different: 2004: We enjoyed the gory details of the killings and bloody events that took place here. 2018: We used the most PG-13 scenes of the movie gladiator to explain to our kids what happened here.
2004: This seemed more like a haunted place with souls roaming around. That’s the energy we got back then and even explained it on our vacation DVD. 2018: It was all about actual facts and history! 2004: We ran through the experience to move on to other things, not deeming it nearly as important. 2018: We even had lunch at a nearby restaurant to make sure we and the kids absorbed the experience (Even under the rain) 2004: Our pics were horrible! 2018: We took more time documenting it all.
The Colosseum was built between A.D. 70 and 80 A.D., it was in use for 500 years with a capacity of 50,000 people. It was the gathering place to watch gladiators fight for their life, battle reenactments, and animal hunts. It’s design still influences the construction of modern-day amphitheaters, over 2,000 years later.
If you didn’t make plans to enter the Colosseum don’t worry there are plenty of tour guides outside offering their services. Prices vary from €17 to €35 and even more, depending on the kind of service they offer. Some are more expensive because they include the Roman Forum as well. Once inside it will take no more than 25 minutes to walk around and see the most important parts. The lines to get in are actually longer. Don’t set your hopes too high about what you will find inside or you will be disappointed, time has taken a toll on this place. Do! Use your imagination, close your eyes and picture yourself back then! If you are traveling with little kids, a book or kids movie will help them to visualize.
Transportation to and from the Colosseum is very easy! They have everything you can think of! Buses, trains, Uber and taxis! Now we had a very hard time stopping a taxi near the landmark, it’s very busy and not many places to stop.
There are inexpensive and some more upscale restaurants near by, a meal can go between €15 a burger, fries, drinks... and €150 at a fancy place overlooking the Colosseum, that is more for a romantic dinner to mark an important celebration.
Any questions contact us, we are more than glad to share our experience!
