The Colosseum in Rome

Think of Rome Italy vacation and what comes to my mind are The Vatican, St. Peters Basilica and monuments, squares and fountains, palaces, villas and gardens, museums and galleries. Sightseeing in Rome is exhilarating and exhausting.

• The Colosseum in Rome, Italy has been named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

The Colosseum (the Flavian Amphitheatre) of Rome (year 70-72) is one of Rome's most famous buildings and enduring monuments to the culture of the ancient Romans. It is located in the center of the city, the spectacular amphitheatre is a masterpiece of Rome architecture. For nearly 500 years, close to 50,000 spectators were entertained to gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles. Today, it is impractical to use the Colosseum to host large events. The Colosseum is shaped like a contemporary football stadium and could seat 45,000 viewers. The four-story facility is 161 feet high, about 600 feet long and 500 feet wide.

Some other pictures taken in Rome