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Top 10 things to do around the Colosseum

Once arrived in Rome you must absolutely see the Flavian amphitheatre. Also known as the Colosseum, it is beautifully located in the centre of Rome.

In 1980 it became a “world heritage site” and later in 2007 it >was included among the “new seven wonders of the world”.

I recommend that you take some time to queue and visit the interior of the Colosseum. In this way, you can say that you have touched the history of ancient Rome firsthand.

Once you’ve visited you will definitely want to explore the surrounding areas.

Let’s see together the top 10 things to do around the Colosseum. Get your camera ready!

1. The fountain of the Colosseum

Rome by Nimrod Oren – Pixabay

In the square of the Colosseum in front of the Flavian theatre, you will find a beautiful fountain.

Also known as the “Sarcophagus Fountain” due to its shape.

The tank is beautifully decorated on the outside. There are two winged cherubs supporting a medallion.

Inside the medallion, there is a half-length man wearing a toga.

Above the sarcophagus, there is a lion’s head. With a galvanized iron tap from which the jet of water comes out.

2. Palatine Hill

Rome by Andrea Spallanzani – Pixabay

According to Roman mythology, it was where Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf who nursed them in the Grotta del Lupercalia.

The Palatine, as you well know, is one of the seven hills of Rome. Here you will find an open-air museum that you can visit at any time of day.

There are two entrances. The first is via di San Gregorio or in the Roman Forum along the Clivo Palatino near the Arch of Titus.

Once there you can admire many Domus and Temples, different palaces and classrooms.

3. San Martino ai Monti

Rome by Agustín Gómez – Pixabay

The Basilica of San Martino ai Monti was founded by Silvestro I only in the 4th century. Inside the church, you will find elements dating back to the Carolingian era.

But also structures dating back to the 3rd century.

The church was rebuilt in the 16th century and dedicated to Saints Silvestro and Martino. It was later rebuilt by Adriano I in 772 and then in 845 by Sergio.

4. Nymphaeum of the Annibaldi

Rome by Andrea Albanese – Pixabay

During the works along the main road leading to the Colosseum, the Nymphaeum was found.

The Ninfeo Degli Annibaldi has a semi-elliptical shape and a basin in the middle with niches. The wall is decorated with a rustic mosaic and pilasters decorated with tiny shells.

The other decorations are in mother-of-pearl and shell, enamel and pumice stone.

The monument was built between the end of the republic and the age of Augustus.
To visit the nymphaeum you must book a visit. The full ticket costs € 4.00 while the reduced ticket costs € 3.00

Admission is allowed only to accompanied groups of 8 people per visit. Reservations are required by calling 060608 from 9.00 to 19.00.

5. San Pietro in Vincoli

Rome by Evren Ozdemir – Pixabay

In the Rione Monti, you will find this wonderful church.

Inside the church, you can admire the tomb of Julius II. But also the wonderful Moses by Michelangelo Buonarroti.

According to the researchers it was built in 442 at the behest of Licinia Eudossia, daughter of Theodosius II.

It is said that Licinia herself showed Peter’s chains to Pope Leo I who brought them closer to those of Peter located in the Mamertine Prison. The two chains merged irreversibly and for this reason, the Basilica was built in which to keep them.

6.Arch of Constantine

Colosseum
Image: Wikimedia

The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch measuring 21 meters in height. It is considered a real museum with regards to Roman sculpture.

The senate had this arch built to commemorate the victory of Constantine against Maxentius along the Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312.

In reality, there were three arches but the only one that survived is this one. The arch was made in marble while some parts were in masonry. The three framed arches present decorative themes representing the Victories.

7. The Salita Del Grillo

Rome – by Claudio Hirschberger – Unsplash

Above the Traianei Markets, you will find a road that connects Piazza del Grillo to Largo Angelicum.

Here you will find the Grillo palace with a beautiful tower.

This large eighteenth-century mansion is characterized by a wonderful facade.
The building belonged to the famous Marquis del Grillo.

The Marquis became famous because of his jokes which inspired a film by Alberto Sordi. Inside you will find several frescoed rooms. It is said that the painter Guttuso also stayed there.

8. Basilica San Clemente

Rome by Kookay – Pixabay

The Basilica stands on the road that connects the Colosseum and the Lateran
and was built in the twelfth century.

The structure is divided into three naves and a semicircular apse. The naves are separated by Roman columns and you can admire the wonderful mosaic dating back to 1100.

In the mosaic, you will find the Crucified Christ between the Virgin and St. John the Evangelist.

9. The Mamertine Prison

Rome – by Christopher Czermak – Unsplash

The Mamertine Prison It is the oldest prison in Rome where the most famous prisoners were held. The enemies of the Roman people were locked up inside.

The prison was built, according to Livy, under Anco Marzio in the seventh century BC.

Seen from the outside it does not look like a prison, its facade can be misleading. The prison is in fact located under the church of San Giuseppe Dei Falegnami.

10. The Basilica of the Santi Quattro Coronati

The Basilica is located in the Celio district and is dedicated to Castorio, Sinfroniano, Claudio and Nicostrato.

In addition to the fortified monastery, you will find other spaces such as the crypt, and the ancient cardinal’s palace, the crypt.

I recommend that you admire the frescoes of the cycle known as the Gothic Hall.