May 22, 2016 - Colosseum and Palatine Hill

Per Hotel Lodi’s recommendation we went to Palatine Hill ticket office to get tickets without long lines.  After we got the tickets, we decided to visit Colosseum in the morning, and there was a line already but not too bad.  In 2006, we visited the Colosseum and did not have time to check out the inside of the Colosseum.  Now we finally got a chance to see it.  The Colosseum is the number one attraction in Rome.  

It is the largest amphitheater ever built and it could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposes as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, and a Christian shrine. Although partially ruined because of damage caused by earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum is still an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. It has also links to the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit "Way of the Cross" procession that starts in the area around the Colosseum.

 

Beside the outer Colosseum structure, there is an underground structure which can be viewed clearly from the top. It consisted of a two-level subterranean network of tunnels and cages beneath the arena where gladiators and animals were held before contests began. 

As we were here to view this ancient wonderful structure, it amazed us how did they build this in so many years ago without any modern construction machinery. It is definitely worth to spend some time here to admire it.

Then we moved to Palatine Hill which is the centermost of the Seven Hills of Rome and is one of the most ancient parts of the city. It stands 40 meters above the Roman Forum, looking down upon it. You can actually walk to the Roman Forum to see those ruins closely. The attractions are Arch of Septimius Severus, Curia, Rostra, Temple of Saturn, Temple of Castor & Pollus, and Temple of Romulus.  The other attractions are Farnese Gardens, Palace of Septimius Severus, Stadium of Domitian’s Palace and site of the Domus Favia.

It took almost a whole day to tour the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, and we were truly impressed by this world wonder.  

The last stop we made was the famous shopping street Via dei Giubbonari to do leather goods shopping.  It is a street at southeast end of the Campo De’ Fiori.  We found the street without any issue, however, we did not see many leather goods stores.  However, we did shop some Italian shoes.  

After shopping, we felt like to have more gelato at Fassi again.  This time we ordered a large cone to enjoy it one more time.