The 4th and 5th floors of the Colosseum reopen to the public after forty years. The two floors, set 40 metres above the arena, offer breath-taking views of the amphitheatre and the surrounding area. The reopening of these floors marks the completion of the itinerary designed by the Colosseum’s Archaeological Park, previously only accessible as far as the third floor.
The new itinerary begins in the only gallery which has, for the most part, been preserved in its original state and once provided access to the various seating areas. Located between the 2nd and 3rd floors, the gallery has never previously been open to the public and presents a unique sight, with its grand vaulted ceilings and white plaster walls with traces of colour, bought to light by the recent restoration work. The lighting has been carefully studied to imitate the dim light that would have come in from the skylights set in the vaulted ceiling, augmented by torches during the games.
The gallery leads to the 3rd floor, opened in 2010, which overlooks Constantine’s Arch. Now visitors will be able to continue the itinerary, running parallel to the amphitheatre’s counter facade set 15 metres above the walkways.
The Colosseum’s majestic architecture appears even more imposing from the height of the 4th and 5th floors, reserved for the plebs during the games.