The Colosseum is one of the most photographed landmarks in the world - and for good reason.
The Flavian amphitheater is almost unbelievably photogenic: whether you’re an expert photographer, an Insta obsessive or just looking to future-proof your memories, it’s impossible to resist the urge to whip out the long lens when you visit Rome.
The Colosseum is (duh) a structure fully in the round, and that means that there are a vast array of angles that you’ll want to capture it from to do justice to its 360 glorious degrees. That’s why today we’re sharing our favorite perspectives of Rome’s ancient arena.
Whether you’re looking for a panoramic overlook, a meticulously framed composition or a dramatic night time shot, each of the following viewpoints offers up a different perspective on the ancient amphitheater – revealing its many-sided personality one spectacular vista at a time.
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Explore the Colosseum
One of the ancient city’s best preserved triumphal arches, the Arch of Constantine is located right beside the Colosseum and offers a stunning framing device for a memorable snap of the amphitheater. Why settle for one stunning ancient landmark when you can have two?!
The Via Sacra, or Sacred Road, was arguably the most important street in ancient Rome, and formed the climax of the processional route that once led victorious generals into the Roman Forum after successful military campaigns. Walk up the Via Sacra for a few meters, turn around and you’ll be rewarded with a great view – it’s particularly magical at night, when the Colosseum is illuminated against the dark sky. Drop to your knees for a super low angle that will allow you to include the Via Sacra’s ancient flagstones in the shot, too.
You’ll need an ancient city ticket that includes the Palatine Hill if you want to see this truly awesome overlook, but when you clap eyes on the panorama sweeping out over the Roman Forum and towards the Colosseum beyond you’ll realize it was more than worth it! The Palatine Hill is where the great Imperial palaces of ancient Rome once stood, and gazing out all across Rome from here today it’s easy to see why the all-powerful emperors chose to make their palatial homes here.
The upper tiers of the Colosseum’s seating have been closed for a long time for restoration works, but these exclusive areas are finally open to visits once again this year. Lucky for you, because the Colosseum Belvedere, as it’s known, offers an unforgettable bird’s-eye view down into the amphitheatre. This is the best place to appreciate the complex structure of the underground hypogeum, where gladiators and animals awaited their turn on the sands of the arena.
This secret viewing platform might just be our favorite place to gaze on the Colosseum in all its glory. Perched on the eastern edge of the Forum, the Temple of Venus and Roma was the largest religious building in the area. Make your way to the temple, and then turn around: a superb unobstructed view of the Colosseum’s facade rears up before you in all its ancient glory. To visit the temple of Venus and Roma and enjoy this panorama, you’ll need to pay for an entrance ticket to the Roman Forum.
The park of the Colle Oppio is one of the city’s most charming green spaces. Various ancient ruins are dotted amongst the lawns and trees, including the Domus Aurea (Nero’s Golden House) and the remains of the Baths of Trajan. The leafy park also conceals one of the finest places to admire the Colosseum. Make your way along the bench-lined boulevard that runs along the south side of the park, and the ancient amphitheater gradually reveals itself framed by the gently swaying Roman pines. It’s particularly picturesque in the golden light of the late afternoon.
This classic vantage point provides one of the most postcard-perfect views of the Colosseum. Here, the structure looms overwhelmingly large, filling your frame with its iconic arches. Perch on the little wall that guards the slope leading down to the Colosseum and you’ll be in the perfect spot for a quintessential Colosseum selfie. To get here, climb the flight of steps that are located right behind the entrance to the Colosseum metro spot.
This pedestrian bridge over a busy roadway might not seem the most promising spot for an uncluttered perspective of the Colosseum, but do yourself a favor and stop off here after dark. If you are a photographer, this vantage point is a fantastic place to take some long exposures: the car light trails streaking past the amphitheater offers up a superb juxtapostition between the ancient and the modern that makes for some truly memorable snaps.
You’ll be glad you continued reading this far when you discover this dreamy hidden panorama overlooking the Colosseum. Obviously you can’t come to Rome and leave without a selfie at the Colosseum, but it can be tricky to find a spot away from the crowds to get your perfect snap. That’s why you need to head up the hill just behind the Colosseum to the little park called the Giardinetto del Monte Oppio – it’s never too busy, and from this higher vantage point you’ll have an unrivalled view of the ancient amphitheater!
This angle offers a fascinating look at the Colosseum’s rugged, timeworn surface, with its pockmarked arches fully visible. The holes in the stonework? After the fall of the Roman empire looters hovered up all the precious materials in the amphitheatre’s fabric, including the massive metal clamps that fixed the marble veneer in place – most of which were melted down and turned into weapons during the Middle Ages. As an added bonus, the sun sets behind the monument from this vantage point, casting a warm glow over the weathered stones.
In springtime, this street corner becomes one of the most romantic viewpoints for perfect Colosseum views, as wisteria and other flowers bloom in fragrant clusters, perfectly framing the ancient monument. A dreamy sight that’s well worth seeking out when the flowers are in season in April and May.
Sometimes, the most obvious spot can also be the most awe-inspiring of all! Standing right in front of the Colosseum allows you to truly grasp its immense scale. Sure it’s crowded in the piazza out in front, but then again it was crowded here during the heyday of the ancient games too! Looking up at its towering arches, you can almost hear the roar of the crowd and visualise the spectacle that once took place inside.
Rome is a city that rewards the adventurous of spirit, revealing its secrets only to those willing to explore. These amazing viewpoints are proof – each tells a different story of the magnificent Colosseum, offering up new perspectives on its majesty. Now, only one question remains – how many angles can you squeeze into your camera roll before running out of storage?! If you want to explore the Colosseum in the flesh, be sure to check out our Colosseum tours!
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Explore the Colosseum!
