The Colosseum in Rome is instantly recognisable as an iconic symbol of Italy and the former Roman Empire. But is its history ruined by the increasing number of visitors? Let’s take a look.
The Colosseum is historically significant; It’s no wonder tourists flock to this historical landmark yearly to feast their eyes on a monument completed in AD 80 that remains the world’s largest freestanding amphitheater.
But with all this in mind, is it really worth a visit, or have the increased number of tourists or crowds overshadowed the history of this world-famous heritage site?
This article will explore whether you can have an authentic historical experience at the Colosseum in Rome or if the crowds have ruined it for everyone.
What makes the Colosseum so special? – a world heritage attraction
Believe it or not, you don’t need to be a history enthusiast to recognise this iconic Roman landmark; this site has been featured in movies, literature, and art, making it world-famous.
Despite the heavy marketing that goes with the Roman Colosseum, we have to admit that this historical landmark is popular for a great reason since nothing else in the world can compare. Having been completed back in AD 80, this mesmerising site has stood the test of time and remains the oldest of its kind in the world.
Yet, despite its incredible historical significance, have the crowds ruined it for us all? The Colosseum is a common landmark that is visited on school trips since it holds great historical value and can teach the next generations what life was like during the Roman Empire and beyond.
With almost 2,000 years of history, this architectural marvel is often touted as a must-see attraction in Europe, having been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1980. Not only this but the Colosseum is also recognised as one of the new seven wonders of the world.
Made of sand and concrete, this mind-blowing feat of engineering draws people from all corners of the globe. But this is where the problem lies. Can you really have an authentic historical experience with almost 17,000 visitors seeking the same thing?
A victim of overtourism? – have tourists ruined the historical significance
As we have established, the Colosseum in Rome is a sight to behold, a place of incredible historical significance, and one of the best tourist attractions in Rome. But sadly, it can be hard to soak up the experience.
Like many landmarks across the globe, the Colosseum has become a victim of overtourism, with a whopping 6 million visitors each year.
The truth is that despite being part of a human traffic jam at the best of times, the Colosseum is a sight that you will never forget, but can you really step back in time when selfie sticks surround you, Tik Tok dancers and souvenir stands catering to tourists everywhere you look?
Sadly, with this many tourists visiting the site every year, the Colosseum is on the brink of losing its authenticity, or is it already long gone?
Unless you have a fantastic gift of blocking out loud noises and crowds of people, it is safe to say that a visit to the Colosseum may not be what you imagined, especially if what you had in mind were an authentic history lesson and deep historical connection.
As many know, the Colosseum was once a main arena for hand-to-hand combats between gladiators and contests between animals and men, a source of entertainment at the time.
But what would the Ancient Romans think of the Colosseum’s evolution now that history has become overshadowed by hordes of influencers and tour groups?
A common problem – one of many sites affected by tourists
Sadly, the Colosseum in Rome is not the only historical site to be overshadowed by tourists, with ancient ruins like Pompeii and the Roman Forum falling victim to this.
Of course, if you are visiting Italy, it is hard to avoid crowds, especially when you plan to tick these iconic sites off your bucket list, but you need to expect long lines, no personal space, and infrequent occasions to get a photo alone.
Despite its history being tarnished by the ever-growing numbers of visitors, this has not put people off; many are eager to see this iconic site even if they cannot enjoy an authentic experience.
One thing is for sure: if the Colosseum will retain any part of its historical significance, plans need to be implemented to ensure its protection and preservation.
Believe it or not, the increase in visitors has damaged and destroyed many ancient buildings, resulting in authorities implementing fines and building protection guards around the sites.
As we can see from other crowded sites, with overtourism, we risk destroying the structures, their historical significance, and the heritage we have left.
Maybe it’s time to limit the number of tourists, encourage exploration of the beaten path of ancient Roman ruins, and let the Colosseum recover once and for all.
