Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Tickets + Mamertine Prison

KTLY080845
Audio Guide
English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, Portuguese
Free Cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours before departure

About this tour

This ticket covers three of Ancient Rome's biggest names in one visit: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, with a multi-language audio guide to walk you through what you're seeing. Depending on the option you pick, you can add arena floor access at the Colosseum or entry to the Mamertine Prison, Rome's oldest jail. Your Colosseum entry is booked for a set time, and the Forum and Palatine are included with it, usually within a 24-hour window. Comfortable shoes make a real difference, since you'll be on uneven ancient ground for a few hours.

Audio Guide Languages

English German Spanish French Italian Chinese Portuguese

Highlights

  • See the scale and engineering of the Colosseum up close, Rome's most famous amphitheater.
  • With arena-access tickets, step onto the Colosseum's arena floor where gladiators fought before huge crowds.
  • Take in the interior and higher viewpoints that show how the amphitheater changed over nearly 2,000 years.
  • Photograph the monument inside and out, from its size to its setting in central Rome.
  • With guided or special-access tickets, go beneath the arena into the hypogeum, where fighters, animals, and stage machinery waited.
  • Hear how gladiator games, executions, and public spectacles were staged and why they mattered so much to Romans.
  • Walk among the ruined temples of the Roman Forum, once at the center of the city's religious life.
  • See the remains of the Curia, the Senate House where Rome's political decisions were argued out.
  • Stand at the Rostra, the platform where Rome's leading figures spoke to the public.
  • Explore the foundations of the great basilicas that served as courts and meeting halls.
  • See the Arch of Titus, built to mark Roman military victory and imperial power.
  • Go through both the upper and lower chambers of the Mamertine Prison, Rome's oldest jail.
  • See the altar marking the imprisonment of St. Peter.
  • Read the on-site displays that lay out the prison's long history.
  • Learn about the well-known prisoners once held behind these walls.

Places You Will Visit

Included / Excluded

  • Timed-entry ticket to the Colosseum
  • Entry to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum
  • Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Chinese
  • Colosseum arena floor access (depending on the option selected)
  • Mamertine Prison entry with audio guide (depending on the option selected)
  • 48-hour Roma Pass (depending on the option selected)
  • Hosted audio tour with standard entry (depending on the option selected)

Visiting the Mamertine Prison: What to See, Getting There, Hours and Dress Code

The Mamertine Prison, also called the Tullianum, sits right by the Roman Forum, so it's an easy add-on to a day exploring ancient Rome. It has two chambers. The upper one started life as a cistern and later became a cell, and it holds an altar marking St. Peter's imprisonment. Below it is the Tullianum, the older and grimmer lower chamber, a dark underground cell where prisoners were kept in harsh conditions, often before execution. A hole in the floor links the two levels, and displays throughout explain the site's place in both Roman and Christian history.

Getting there is simple: take the Metro to the Colosseo station and walk a short distance, or come on foot from the Roman Forum. Several bus lines also serve the area. The prison is generally open daily, though hours shift by season and day of the week, so check the official website before you go. Given the site's religious significance, modest dress is recommended and revealing clothing is best avoided. Wear comfortable shoes for the walking and uneven surfaces, and expect a quiet, somber atmosphere rather than a busy attraction.

Weather in Rome

Today 72°F22°C 50°F10°C Rain 48%
Today 68°F20°C 53°F12°C Rain 95%
Tomorrow 65°F18°C 48°F9°C Rain 0%
Mon, Oct 26 71°F22°C 48°F9°C Rain 0%
Tue, Oct 27 73°F23°C 48°F9°C Rain 0%
Wed, Oct 28 69°F20°C 45°F7°C Rain 3%
Thu, Oct 29 73°F23°C 46°F8°C Rain 3%

Local time 1:55 AM, UTC+02:00

Available Days / Times

  • Monday : 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:15
  • Tuesday : 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:15
  • Wednesday : 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:15
  • Thursday : 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:15
  • Friday : 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:15
  • Saturday : 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:15
  • Sunday : 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:15

Last updated: Oct 22, 2026

Meeting Point

Mamertine Prison, Clivo Argentario, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
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Map of the meeting point Open map
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Important Information

  • Colosseum entry is for a fixed time slot; arrive late during busy periods and you may not be let in.
  • Access levels vary by option: some cover the arena floor or underground, others only the main tiers.
  • Everyone goes through security screening, which can add wait time at peak hours.
  • Arena floor and underground access is capped each day and often sells out ahead, especially in peak season.
  • The Colosseum underground can only be visited on a small-group guided tour, and spots are limited.
  • Colosseum tickets usually include the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, generally within a 24-hour window.
  • Free-entry days (first Sunday of the month) are extremely crowded, and the arena floor and underground stay closed.
  • The ground is uneven, with stone steps and ancient surfaces, so wear sturdy shoes.
  • There's little shade in summer, especially across the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
  • Accessibility is partial: elevators reach some levels, but parts of the arena and underground are not wheelchair accessible.
  • The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill together often take several hours, so plan accordingly.
  • Stick to the marked visitor routes and follow staff instructions.
  • Do not touch, climb on, remove, or deface the ancient stones.
  • No food or drink inside the monument.
  • Large bags, backpacks, suitcases, and bulky items are not allowed.
  • Personal photography is fine; tripods, drones, and professional gear are not permitted.
  • No pets inside the Colosseum, except registered guide dogs.
  • Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the site.
  • Roman Forum access is in high demand as part of the combined ticket; book 2-3 weeks ahead, especially in peak season.
  • The Forum is a large site with uneven paths and stone steps, so comfortable shoes are essential.
  • Shade and seating are limited, so bring water and sun protection in warmer months.
  • The ruins are lightly signposted; an audio guide or guided visit adds context to the temples, basilicas, and political spaces.
  • Accessibility at the Forum is limited: some areas are step-free, but many parts are hard to reach with reduced mobility.
  • Most visitors spend at least 1 to 2 hours at the Forum, longer if combining it with Palatine Hill.

FAQs

How do I buy Colosseum entry?
You can arrange Colosseum entry online ahead of time. On our website you can compare authorized entry options, check availability by date and time, and pick what suits your visit.
Where can I buy Colosseum entry in Rome?
Tickets are sold online or at the official on-site counters. Booking through our website lets you review verified options in advance and often find better online deals.
Do I need a ticket to visit the Colosseum?
Yes, valid admission is required. Booking ahead through our website helps you secure a slot and avoid uncertainty on the day, especially in peak season.
How much does Colosseum entry cost?
The price depends on the type of access and which areas are included. Our website shows current prices and what each option covers so you can compare before choosing.
Which Colosseum ticket option should I choose?
It depends on how much time you have and which areas you want to see. Our website highlights the most popular and best-value options to help you decide.
How long does it take to visit the Colosseum?
Most visits run between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on how much detail you want to take in.
Is there a dress code for the Colosseum?
There's no strict dress code, but dress respectfully and wear comfortable shoes for the uneven ground.
What was the Colosseum used for?
It was mainly used for gladiator contests, public executions, animal hunts, and staged mock sea battles.
Do I need a ticket for the Roman Forum?
Yes. Entry usually comes bundled with Colosseum admission and Palatine Hill rather than sold on its own.
Can I buy Roman Forum tickets at the gate?
Sometimes, but on-site availability is limited and lines get long in peak season. Booking through our website in advance is the easiest way to secure entry.
Can I see the Roman Forum without a ticket?
You can view it from surrounding viewpoints, but entering the archaeological site itself requires a valid ticket. To walk among the ruins, book ahead.
How do I book Colosseum and Roman Forum tickets?
The usual route is a combined ticket that covers the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and typically Palatine Hill. On our website you can compare verified options and see exactly what's included.
What is the Roman Forum?
It was the political, religious, and social center of ancient Rome, filled with temples, basilicas, government buildings, and public squares where daily life played out.
When was the Roman Forum built?
It grew gradually from around the 7th century BC, with buildings added, rebuilt, and expanded throughout the Republic and the Empire.
What was the Roman Forum used for?
It was the heart of public life, hosting political gatherings, religious ceremonies, trials, markets, and public speeches.
What is the Mamertine Prison?
Also known as the Tullianum, it's Rome's oldest prison, used in ancient times to hold enemies of the state and criminals.
Why is the Mamertine Prison significant?
It's notable for its great age, its role as an ancient state prison, and its association with the imprisonment of Saints Peter and Paul.
Can I take photos inside the prison?
Photography may be restricted in some areas, so check with staff when you arrive.
How long does a visit to the Mamertine Prison take?
Allow roughly 1 to 2 hours to see it fully.
Is the Mamertine Prison accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Accessibility can be limited given the historic layout. Contact the venue directly for specific details.
Is there an entrance fee for the Mamertine Prison?
Yes, there's usually an entrance fee. Check the official website for current pricing.
Are guided tours of the Mamertine Prison available?
They may be, depending on the day. Ask at the entrance or check online for schedules and availability.
What should I wear to visit the prison?
Wear comfortable shoes and dress modestly, given the site's religious significance.

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