Wonders of the World series: The Colosseum

19 June 2008

However, a trip to this bustling city wouldnâ€™t be complete without making a stop at the Colosseum in the centre of the city.

This elliptical amphitheatre in Italyâ€™s capital is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and is also one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions, receiving millions of visitors annually.

The Colosseum is without a doubt, an historical icon of Imperial Rome and well worth a visit

In recent years, the colosseum has been adopted as a symbol of the international campaign against the death penalty, which was abolished in Italy in 1948, and if you're around the colosseum at night and notice the lights chance from white to gold it is a sign that somewhere in the World a person has had their death sentence revoked or have been released or if a jurisdiction abolishes the death penalty.

Since the beginning of the medieval era, the building has been used for many different things including, housing, workshops, a fortress and even a Christian shrine. Originally capable of seating around 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum is most famous for its gladiatorial contests which were recreated in the 2000 Ridley Scott hit; Gladiator.

Most of the interior was recreated by computer whizzes in order to restore it to its former glory, but some of you film buffs out there might also recognise it from the 2008 film, Jumper, as the Colosseum was used as one of the fight locations.

However, the Colosseum wasnâ€™t just the home of the gladiators, as many other public specials took place there, such as animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles and dramas based on mythology.

As a result of earthquakes and stone-robbers you might have to use your imagination as you wander through the ruins of this vast building, Nevertheless, the Colosseum is without a doubt, an historical icon of Imperial Rome and well worth a visit.

Whatâ€™s more, if you happen to be in Rome on Good Friday, you might witness the Pope leading a torch-lit procession towards the amphitheatre as part of itâ€™s Roman Catholic connections.

But once youâ€™ve seen all the Colosseum has to offer, why not take a walk around the Vatican City, which, at only 110 acres, is the smallest sovereign state in the world. Or take a ride to

So if you find yourself in Rome, there is no excuse not to spend a hour or two exploring this Wonder of the Medieval World, you could even spend a penny (quite literally) Trevi fountain, as it is said that those who throw a coin into it are bound to return one day, but to be quite honest, I think there are many more reasons to go back to this fantastic city than just superstition.