The Colosseum, symbol of Rome, is a reference point for Italian and foreign tourists who go to Rome on vacation, or even for work. Even the Romans can only love the symbol of the capital city of Italy. But do you really know everything about this magnificent work? Here are ten curiosities about the Colosseum.
1. The eye also wants its part: the restoration of the Colosseum ... is designer label
Yes, the Colosseum, the symbol of Rome, needs constant attention and certainly cannot survive over the centuries without due conservation work. But the maintenance of a piece of history has its cost, you know. So here are luminaries and millionaires, real philanthropists ready to remain in history. Tod's knows it well: the Italian fashion house has in fact invested about twenty-five million euros in the restoration of the Colosseum ... not crumbs!
2. A single monument, many different souls for Rome
It was not always the center of the attention of the Romans. For a certain period in fact it fell into disuse and from its imposing structure materials were obtained to build new and huge works in Rome. An example? Saint Peter's Church. In fact, it seems that the Roman amphitheater, symbol of gladiator fights, was much larger than what has come to us today.
3. No to the death penalty in the world
Not everyone knows that the Colosseum, symbol of Rome, is tinged with ideals at least once a year. Chosen as a symbol of various charity and awareness campaigns, the Colosseum in fact every time in the world a man or a woman is saved from the death penalty, it changes lighting. From the classic gold color its lighting changes to white. To say no to the death penalty, for fifteen years.
4. Eighty sails to shelter its patrons from the sun
During the Roman fights, very often also in the summer period, witnessing the fights must have been really difficult due to the scorching heat and the sun that beat incessantly on the arena. For this reason, eighty sail-shaped tents were installed which, intersecting each other, were able to guarantee the right coverage from the sun.
5. Italy's first attraction
When we say that the Colosseum is the symbol of Italy we are certainly not joking! Only the Egyptian museum of Turin reaches as many annual visits; even surpassing the Uffizi in Florence. What a record!
6. Esoteric point and gate of hell
During the Roman era in the Colosseum many gladiators died and also in a very bloody way. For this reason the Colosseum is said to be the seventh gate of Hell.
7. The plants of the Colosseum tell its story
Over the centuries, thanks to both the temperate climate and its ruins, the Colosseum has allowed nature to take possession of some of its spaces. And here is that among the stones and ruins of the symbol of Rome, hundreds of botanical species, including tropical ones, were born, still studied today for their resistance and powerful growth.
8. The Gladiator was not shot at the Colosseum
Ridley Scott did not film his colossal at the Flavian amphitheater. In fact, the Colosseum was not one location simple to shoot the scenes of the movie "Gladiator". For this reason it was partially rebuilt and in nineteen weeks in Malta.
9.One of the seven wonders of the world
The Colosseum is one of the seven wonders of the world. Since 2007 it has been so along with other symbols of the world including the Great Wall of China.
10. A location for a few, “off limits” concerts for the Colosseum
There are very few singers who have had the honor of being able to perform at the Colosseum. Among these Elton John and in Italy in 2011, Biagio Antonacci.
