To enter the Belvedere, visitors must have skip-the-line tickets which can usually be reserved in advance. Most tours offer a meeting point near the main attraction allowing for a smooth start to the journey. Timed entry slots are essential for avoiding the long lines commonly associated with this popular landmark.
A tour of the Colosseum's top tier showcases breathtaking views of Rome and offers a full experience of this historic monument. Knowledgeable guides divulge interesting stories tied to the majesty of the ancient arena, enriching the exploration with tales of its storied past. Guided tours often include the Colosseum underground, immersing travelers in the depths of history.
Itineraries may vary, but a small group or private tour ensures a personalized experience. Travelers on the tour pass by the Roman Forum and ascend to the Belvedere for a panoramic perspective of Palatine Hill. A guided exploration through the tiers culminates in an unparalleled understanding of the landmark's significance.
The Colosseum's top tier is not typically wheelchair accessible, and it's not recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions. Visitors with heart problems or other serious medical conditions should be aware of the physical fitness level required. Children and pregnant travelers might find the climb challenging, so gauge your readiness for the ascent.
Pre-booking tickets with a confirmed time slot is highly recommended. Remember, backpacks and large bags may not be allowed, so come prepared with necessities only. Dress appropriately in comfortable shoes and be prepared for the weather, as portions of the tour are exposed to the elements.
4+ reviews
Enjoy a private 3.5-hour Colosseum tour with skip-the-line access, including the special Belvedere section for views from the upper tiers, alongside visits to the Roman Forum and Capitoline Hill, complete with hotel pickup and a personal guide's live commentary.
Best price:
€417
30+ reviews
Skip the queue with a Colosseum ticket, exploring the lower levels, arena floor, and upper tiers. Learn gladiator tales and Roman history on a guided tour, including visits to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, with insights into ancient temples and emperors' homes.
Best price:
€85
The Colosseum's Belvedere top tier, comprising the third, fourth, and fifth levels, was designed to accommodate the lower classes and women, offering them a chance to witness the enthralling events held in the amphitheater, albeit from a distance. These events were not limited to gladiatorial combats but included public spectacles, mock sea battles, animal hunts, reenactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology.
The upper levels provided a panoramic view, enhancing the experience for spectators as they watched over the arena where life and death narratives unfolded. Reconstructions suggest that the Colosseum could house up to 50,000 spectators, making it an epicenter of ancient Rome's social life.
The once grandiose Colosseum, including the Belvedere tiers, fell into neglect with the passage of time. However, concerted efforts of maintenance and restoration have revived portions of the monument, enabling visitors to step back in time and wander spaces once frequented by ancient Romans.
These restoration projects serve a dual purpose: they preserve the structural integrity of the Colosseum and provide contemporary visitors with access to parts of the monument that have been closed for centuries, including the previously inaccessible Belvedere top tier. Now, special tours escort visitors to these upper levels, offering insights into the Colosseum's history and the intricacies of Roman engineering, echoing the stories of those who sat in these stands centuries ago.