Luggage Storage Colosseum Rome

About the Colosseum

The Colosseum was the most visited tourist attraction in the world in 2018. It's not hard to see why. Thousands of photos have been taken of this iconic ruin, but none does justice to the building's grandeur when seen with your own eyes.

Built as a venue for gladiatorial games and other public spectacles, the Colosseum was the biggest amphitheater in the world at the time of its construction. With a capacity of around 80,000 spectators, it rivaled modern sports stadia for size. Pretty impressive for a structure that opened in the year 80.

The Colosseum was in use for hundreds of years. But as the power and wealth of Rome declined, the Colosseum declined with it. After the fall of Rome, the structure was looted for stone the Romans used to build and repair their houses. Over the years, it has also been damaged by earthquakes. However, during the Renaissance, the building was protected by the Church, saving it from total ruin. The structure has undergone significant renovation and stabilization projects right up to the present day.

The Colosseum sits within the ancient walls of Rome, just south of the historic center of the city. It's easily walkable from other Roman attractions and is also well connected by the city transit network.

Things to do near the Colosseum

The Colosseum is obviously an attraction in its own right. You could easily spend half a day or more exploring this charismatic ruin. But the area the Colosseum is in has more going for it than just the amphitheater alone. There is lots more to see in this part of the city. And of course, since this is Italy, there plenty of great places to eat, too.

• See more of the Colosseum on a guided tour. The regular ticket to the Colosseum lets you see the floor of the arena and some of the lower levels. If you really want a full experience of the Colosseum, take a guided tour that will bring you underneath the arena to see where the gladiators prepared for battle. You will also be able to access upper levels of the structure that are closed to regular visitors.

• Take in centuries of history at the Roman forum. Just outside the Colosseum, the heart of ancient Rome lies several feet below current street-level. This complex of temples, markets, and legislative buildings is where the Roman Senate used to meet. It's almost impossible to overstate the historical significance of this place. Best of all, entrance is free if you buy a ticket to the Colosseum.

• See how the Emperors lived on the Palatine hill. This is where Rome started its life as a city way back in the 10th century BC. At the height of Rome’s power, several emperors lived in sprawling mansions on this hill that overlooks the city, and you can still explore the ruins of these palaces today.

• Take in a panoramic view of the city from the Victor Emmanuel II monument. Just up the street from the Colosseum, this huge white building honored Italy's first king and was inaugurated in 1911. Its rooftop deck offers one of the best views of Rome. Try to visit close to sunset, when swarms of starlings swoop over the domed churches and atmospheric ruins of Rome.

• Go on a culinary journey in Rome's Jewish ghetto. Just a short walk from the Colosseum, the ancient streets of the city's Jewish ghetto are bursting with life. The restaurants here are famed for traditional Roman Jewish dishes such as deep-fried artichokes, fettuccine alla stracotto, Jewish style lamb, and other unique delicacies.

Transit options near the Colosseum

• The Colosseum is served by Metro line B, which stops at Colosseum station right in front of the monument.

• The Colosseum is also a stop along many bus routes, including routes 40, 51, 60, 75, 81, and others.

• Tramlines 3 and 8 stop right outside the Colosseum and take you from there to the Trastevere neighborhood, the Villa Borghese, and other attractions.

Luggage storage near the Colosseum

As you would expect from an area this popular with tourists, crowds around the Colosseum are an inevitability. The area is well connected by transit, but lugging heavy bags on the bus or subway is nobody's idea of fun. Also, while Rome is a very safe city to visit, it has its share of scammers and thieves, who tend to congregate at popular attractions like the Colosseum. Keep yourself and your belongings safe by storing them at a secure Bounce luggage storage near the Colosseum, and enjoy your trip worry-free.

Attractions and activities near the Colosseum

• The Pantheon: The Colosseum's rival for the most visited Rome attraction, the Pantheon, can be reached on foot from the Colosseum or by transit. This stunning temple dedicated to Roman gods has since become a church and the final resting place of notable Italians, including the artist Raphael. Famous for its domed concrete roof with its central eye that has held up for 2000 years, the Pantheon is a testament to Roman engineering skill and ancient technology as well as a fascinating place to visit.

• Trevi Fountain: The Trevi fountain is another iconic Roman location. The grand marble statues that decorate the fountain almost fill the small square the fountain is located in, and make for a perfect photo opportunity. However, you'll need to deal with some of the worst crowds in Rome. Drop your bags off at a convenient luggage storage location before navigating the intense crowds at this site.

• Campo de Fiori: For the ideal place to buy souvenirs, head to Campo de Fiori market. This daily market has been a feature of Rome for over 400 years, providing the residents of the city with fresh fruit and vegetables. It's also a great place to pick up classic Italian gifts such as pasta and olive oil.

• Largo di Torre Argentina: The assassination of Julius Caesar marked an important step in the transformation of Rome from Republic to Empire. You can see the ruins of the theater where he was killed at Largo di Torre Argentina. In among the ruins, keep your eyes peeled for the resident colony of cats that now live among the ancient buildings. There is even a sanctuary in the ruins that takes care of these famous Roman residents.