A new view of Rome and especially of its ancient ruins is now available to visitors with the opening of the restored upper levels of the famed Colosseum.
The arena, which is part-way through a major multi-million-Euro renovation, is now offering (at extra cost) tours that include the ‘nosebleed’ seats set aside originally for the lowest classes. The seats may not have offered the best view of the events on the floor, but the view over the city is said to be spectacular.
In addition to the restoration of the upper levels, the project has cleaned away centuries of grime and graffiti from exterior and structurally strengthened the facades. In future steps, the underground vaults where animals and prisoners were held will be restored, and with them, the floor of the arena itself.
At that point, it will be possible for the first time in many centuries to present events in the Colosseum, including possibly reenactments of ancient Roman spectacles.
