Parco archeologico del Colosseo

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The Palatine Hill contains remains of huts dating back to the 8th century BCE, predating the traditional founding date of Rome.

2. 2

   The Lapis Niger, an ancient shrine in the Forum, contains one of the oldest known inscriptions in the Latin alphabet.

3. 3

   The Arch of Titus features a relief sculpture depicting the spoils of the Temple of Jerusalem being carried through Rome.

4. 4

   Archaeologists have discovered that the Forum floor was paved and repaved multiple times over a millennium, resulting in distinct layers of stratified history.

5. 5

   The House of the Vestals was a complex where priestesses tended the sacred fire of Vesta, punishable by death if allowed to extinguish.

6. 6

   The underground hypogeum of the Colosseum was not part of the original design but was added under Emperor Domitian.

7. 7

   The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina survived because it was converted into a church in the 7th century, preserving its original marble columns.

8. 8

   The Palatine Hill served as the location for the imperial palaces, providing panoramic views over the Circus Maximus.

9. 9

   Certain sections of the Forum were historically referred to as the 'Cow Field' (Campo Vaccino) after the area fell into disrepair during the Middle Ages.

10. 10

    The drainage system of the Forum, the Cloaca Maxima, is still partially functional today.

Overview

The Parco archeologico del Colosseo integrates the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill into a single monumental archaeological complex. It encompasses the heart of ancient Rome, spanning the political, religious, and administrative center of the empire. The site preserves significant structures including the Curia Julia, the House of the Vestals, and the Domus Flavia. Excavations continue to reveal layers of the city dating from the 8th century BCE through the late imperial period. The park covers approximately 40 hectares of ruins and includes various restored palaces and temples. Visitors access the site via a unified ticketing system that provides entry to these interconnected historic zones.

Insider tips

• Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes to navigate uneven ancient stone paving and steep incline paths.

• Bring a refillable water bottle, as the park contains several functioning historic fountains with potable water.

• Start your visit at the Palatine Hill entrance to avoid the longest queues typically found at the Colosseum side.

• Download the official park map beforehand to track specific site locations within the sprawling ruins.