Colosseum Map – Download PDF, Where And How to Get Them, Floor Layout

The Colosseum is the world’s largest, standing, ancient amphitheater. Back in the days of its glory, the Colosseum had a seating capacity of 80,000 spectators spread over 5 different levels. The highlight of the site is its arena and underground, which was ruled by brave gladiators.  

Today, visitors can tour various parts of this amphitheater based on their ticket. Navigating the Colosseum can be confusing for first-time visitors. If you are part of a guided tour, an expert guide will help you tour the site and help you get the most out of your visit. However, if you are on a self-guided tour, make sure you grab the Colosseum map and learn about the various parts before your visit for the best experience. 

Where to get a Colosseum Map? 

You can find the map posted in the Vomitoria Passage. The map is also available in the stores inside the Colosseum for a few euros. If you have booked a guided tour, then your tour guide will also provide you with a map. You can also download the PDF on your phone before you visit for the best experience. So make sure you grab one before you start exploring to enjoy the Colosseum to the fullest.

Why do you need a Colosseum Map?

A map of the Coliseum is a must, as it will ensure you cover all its popular as well as its lesser-known sites. As many levels and entrances exist in the building, a map will ensure you remain on course and help guide you, particularly if you want to explore the underground chambers or the upper tiers. It also saves time, directing you promptly to the desired sites without detours.

Entrances of Colosseum

There are 3 main entrances to the Colosseum, and they are varied and cater to diverse categories of visitors. 

• Main Entrance: For everybody, including normal visitors and visitors with Skip-the-Line tickets or the Roma Pass. It can be accessed by disabled people, and it is the most crowded.
• Group Entrance: For already reserved group tours, with even shorter waiting times.
• Stern Entrance: For school groups. 

Learn more about the Colosseum entrances.

Different Levels of Colosseum

The Colosseum has five levels of seating area, an underground arena, and a museum that you can visit. Depending on your ticket, you can tour various parts of the Colosseum. 

Once you enter the Colosseum, you will first walk through the Vomitoria. Vomitoria are the passages behind each tier of seats through which crowds used to exit. As you walk through the passage, you can find audio guide stations, gift stores, toilets, and other amenities. Based on the type of tickets, you can either take the stairs to reach the first tier or walk behind to Stern Gate or South Entrance to tour the underground or Arena. 

Arena

If you have chosen a special access ticket, we recommend you start your tour from the Arena. The Stern Gate or South Entrance is between Gate 76 and Gate 1. This served as the ceremonial entrance for the emperor, senators, and Vestals. This is also the gate through which gladiators enter the arena, and hence, it is also called the gladiator’s entrance. This entrance can only be accessed from the inside of the Colosseum. 

As you walk down the path paved by valor gladiators, you will enter the arena floor. Initially, it was 287 ft long and 180 ft wide, covered with 15 cm of sand. From the Arena, you can get a full view of the Colosseum and feel the grandeur of the structure. 

It served as the main stage for the fighting and hunting of gladiators and animals, and dramatic performances. It was a big sand-covered circular area, designed for the performance of grand spectacles. Below the floor of the Arena lay complex systems of tunnels and rooms, collectively called the Hypogeum, used for preparations and staging. You can also view inside the underground path, which is open at the top. 

This is often the least crowded part of the Colosseum since most visitors opt only to visit the tiers. Hence, you can enjoy a crowd-free and calm visit and click good pictures in the arena without being photobombed. 

Underground

After visiting the Arena, head back through the same Stern Gate and enter via Gate 1 again. This gate will lead you downstairs into the underground. This area is restricted to general ticket holders and can be accessed only through special tickets. After climbing down two stories of stairs, you will reach the Hypogeum. 

Underground, or the Hypogeum, was where the gladiators waited, and animals were housed in cages before the public performances. Ingenious lifts and trapdoors transported animals and props to the arena floor above.  

There are arrows and signs throughout the underground to help you navigate. The underground consists of a two-level subterranean network of tunnels, shafts, and more. The underground can be pretty dark at the start, and hence, you must walk through it carefully. 

Parts of the underground are open on the top, and you can view the seating areas from there. However, access to those areas is often restricted. After visiting the underground, walk back through the same exit. 

Levels 2 to 4

To visit the seating areas, walk through the Vomitoria, and you will find stairs leading to the second level of the Colosseum.  These were the seating areas designated for ordinary citizens during the ancient Roman games. The higher up in elevation, the further the action and effects are from the seat, giving a beautiful view of the entire arena. Level 4, the highest, offered standing space for the poorest citizens and women. Levels 3 and 4 are currently restricted for visitors. 

One can enjoy the marvelous views of both the Colosseum and the surrounding Roman Forum. Exhibitions and displays shed light on the history of the games and ancient Roman society at large. 

Level 1 

After visiting the second level, climb down the stairs and enter the first level through the north entrance next to the stairs. From here, you can see the exposed underground tunnels, walk through the seating area of the royals, and more. This area was reserved for the Roman elite, such as senators and officials, offering them the best seats.   

Most visitors begin their tour at this level. However, we recommend you visit this last. Enter through the main entrance and use the ramp or stairs to reach this level. You can walk around the oval arena and take a look at the seating. Multimedia displays add more information on how the Colosseum was actually constructed and used during its prime.

After touring this level, exit through the Western Gate. Interestingly, this entrance is called the death entrance, as dead gladiators and animals were carried out in this way.  This exit opens to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. 

Map of the Colosseum Exterior

The outer portion of the Colosseum has 3 layers adorned with massive and tall arches and columns. They were meant to awe the visitors and citizens of ancient Rome. You can get a close look at the architecture from the level one Vomitoria Passage. 

There is no fee to see the outside. Just walk along the streets or paths nearby to explore the outer areas of the Colosseum. The outside is a great place to take pictures, especially in the evening when the Colosseum is lit up. You can find street performers nearby, as well as souvenir shops.

Key areas to cover in Colosseum

While visiting the Colosseum, we recommend you not miss these key areas for a complete experience: 

• The arena floor, where gladiators fought and fierce battles raged in a glorious display of might. 
• Underground Chambers, where the animals and gladiators were held before entering the arena. 
• The Upper Levels showcase the stunning views of the Colosseum and the sights surrounding it. 
• The VIP Entrance and the Emperor’s Balcony are worth looking at to get a peek into the royal history of the Colosseum. 
• The Colosseum Museum is located on level 1.

FAQs About Colosseum Map