The Colosseum Entrances Explained: Tickets and Access

Colosseum, the ancient amphitheater had over 80 entrances when it was a functional arena for the gladiators. They had dedicated entrances for the royalty. Gladiators and spectators who visited from all over the country. 

Today, the Colosseum stands as one of the most famous attractions in the world and witnesses an annual footfall of 7 million visitors. To manage the crowd and conserve the historical attraction, only 3 entrances are open to the public now. 

In this article, we will share all the details about the Colosseum entrances, suitable tickets, waiting time, and how to reach each of them. 

How Many Entrances Does the Colosseum Have?

Earlier in the day, the Colosseum had 80 entrances among which 4 were reserved for the emperors, senators, and people of high order. The other 76 were general entrances for spectators. 

Today, the Colosseum has 3 entrances. Each of the entrances serves a different purpose and is suitable for specific types of tickets. They are: 

• Main entrance: for general visitors, including those who have skip-the-line tickets, a normal entry ticket,t or a Rome Pass.
• Group entrance: reserved for guided, underground, and arena tours. 
• Stern entrance: for school groups

The Colosseum Main Entrance or Spanor Valadier Entrance

The main entrance is also called the Spanor Valadier Entrance and it is placed on the western side of the Colosseum. It is located right next to the Arc of Constantine and is very easy to spot. 

Historically it was the imperial entrance used by the emperors and the dignitaries. This entrance leads the visitors to the inner ring of the Colosseum, where they can enjoy the stunning view of the arena floor, the seating areas, and the underground chambers. 

This entrance can be used by

• Individual visitors with entry tickets
• Visitors with pre-booked tickets, including the standard ticket, skip-the-line ticket and those using audio or video guide tickets.
• Visitors with the Roma Pass
• Visitors with disability

This entrance is accessible daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. The last entry allowed is at 6:15 p.m. It stays closed on 25 December and 1 January. The entrances close soon based on the season. It is best to check the opening hours before you plan your visit. 

The waiting line at the Sperone Valadier Entrance takes an average of about 45 minutes. It has the longest waiting lines among all entrances and the waiting time also increases significantly during the peak tourist months (summer)

This point of entry is particularly crowded. Plan to arrive 30 to 35 minutes before your chosen time slot to avoid being late. If you have not purchased your entry ticket then arrive an hour before the Colosseum opens to beat the crowds and secure the ticket from the counter near the entrance. 

This gate is accessible through the Piazza del Colosseo. It is 250 meters from the Colosseo station which is connected by the Metro Line B (blue). Once you exit the metro station, there are sign boards to cross the road and reach this entrance. 

Suitable tickets:

Group Entrance 

Just a few steps left from the Main Entrance, you can spot the Colosseum Group Entrance. This entrance is only available for pre-booked guided tours which may also include access to the arena and underground. However, depending on the queues, the guide might also take the individual entrance at times. Hence, check out the meeting points your guide shares and follow them from there. 

This entrance is suitable for visitors who have opted for the: 

• Colosseum guided tour
• Colosseum underground tour
• Colosseum arena tour 
• Colosseum Underground and Arena tour

This entrance is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., with the last entry being at 6:15 p.m. This entrance also remains closed on 25 December and 1 January. The entrances close early during the fall and winter.

The average waiting time at this gate ranges between 15 to 20 minutes depending on the number of groups scheduled at the time. Ensure that the guided tour reservation is confirmed and arrive 15 minutes before the tour time at the Group Gate or the mentioned meeting point.  

Similar to the Main Entrance, the Group Entrance is accessible via the Piazza Colosseo and is close to the Colosseo Metro Station. To access this station, make sure you read how to reach the Colosseum before you leave. 

Suitable tickets:

Stern Entrance

The Stern Gate also referred to as Porta Libitinaria is located on the eastern side of the Colosseum. This is also called the gladiator entrance. As the name suggests, this entrance was historically used by gladiators to enter the arena. 

This entrance is now only open to school groups. Previously, this gate was used by guests on special access tours. However, this gate is not functional anymore and visitors with special access tickets need to head to the group gate or main entrance. 

Visitors with special access tickets to the arena, need to enter through the main entrance and walk all the way to the opposite side to reach inside the stern entrance and access the arena. 

Stern Gate opens daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., the last entry being at 6:15 p.m. Like the rest of the gates, this is also closed on 25 December and 1 January.

The amount of time that people have to wait while entering the Stern Gate is around 10 – 15 minutes.

Those visiting through the Stern Gate must reserve access. Your guide normally meets you after passing through security checks and takes you directly to the arena floor. 

Which Entrance Should You Choose?

This depends on the type of ticket you own and the experience you want. 

For a general ticket, the Main Entrance is the best option since it is the most common and easy to use. Visitors with special access tickets, such as those with Skip-the-Line or Roma Pass also use this entrance. With the skip the line tickets, you can get priority entry at the main entrance without any waiting. 

If you are on a group tour of any part of the Colosseum be it the arena or underground, the best entrance is the Group Gate. 

Entrance with Wheelchair Access

The main entrance or the Spanor Valadier entrance is specifically accessible to visitors with difficulty in mobility. It has ramps and an elevator to facilitate easy entry into the Colosseum. 

Visitors with disabilities can gain free access to the Colosseum from this entrance. 

Entrance to Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Guests who are visiting the Colosseum often tour the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill which are located right next to the amphitheater. 

Most tickets to the Colosseum offer entry to these attractions. One major point to note is that whichever entrance you might take to tour the Colosseum, there is only one way out. This exit is located close to the Arch of Titus which is one of the three main entrances of Palantine Hill and Roman Forum. 

The other two are Palatine Hill and Roman Forum entrances located in opposite directions from the Arch of Titus. Most guided tours start from the Arch of Titus which offers direct entrance to the Forum. Hence, there are long queues and larger crowds at this entrance. Similarly, the Palatine Hill entrance is often crowded due to its proximity to the Colosseum exit gate. 

On the other hand, the Roman Forum entrance is less crowded. To reach this entrance, exit the Colosseum and walk down the Via dei Fori Imperiali. 

Visitors who have booked the entry tickets online, get 48 hours to visit the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill after touring the Colosseum. Hence, there is no need to rush. You can visit these entrances on the next day if you are tired or if the time does not permit. If you are coming back the next day, we suggest you enter through the Roman Forum at 9 a.m., as soon as the attraction opens for the least crowded visit. 

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