Lights, camera, capture: How to take the best Colosseum photos

Whether you’re a tourist or a local, taking pictures of the Colosseum never gets old. You might have already tried to take a snapshot of it from a moving bus or taxi, or on your evening stroll when the setting sun bathes it in vivid colors. While you can always get a readymade shot of it on a postcard or a framed photo, nothing quite comes close to the satisfaction of clicking that perfect picture yourself. Here’s how to set yourself (and your camera) up for snapping that epic shot.

Where do I click the best photos of the Roman Colosseum?

At its entrance, from the side, or from the back — where’s the right location to click a picture of the Colosseum from? While all these work, there are some little-known places (often not within the Colosseum itself) that are tried and tested, and known to yield top-quality pictures. Here are a few you can try:

• The metro terrace: Inside the Colosseo metro stop, climb the staircase to a terrace. Once you enter the terrace, head right to get a great shot of the top half of the Colosseum, standing in all its chipped glory.

• La Biga restaurant: Situated roughly opposite the Colosseum, you can take a mid-view picture of the Colosseum as a backdrop to your meal (foodstagrammers, this one’s for you!)

• Park near the Colosseum: From the top of the metro station, walk to the right and once you reach the curb, take another right. Round the corner, you’ll find a small park on your right, which is at a slight elevation. This spot is less crowded and offers a great spot to take solo/couple photos.

• Parking lot behind the Colosseum: At the back of the Colosseum, cross the street and climb up a park which people sometimes also use to park their cars. This offers an interesting view of the Colosseum from a unique vantage point — you can snap shots of the subject framed by both the Colosseum and the flora of the park.

• Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland): Rome’s most iconic landmarks can be seen from the terrace of this imposing marble building in Piazza Venezia. You can get a great long shot of the Colosseum from here.

Getting the lighting right

Besides the location, the time of day you choose to click your Colosseum photos also makes a difference.

Morning: If you’re an early bird, consider going before 10:30am. This not only helps you beat the crowds (since the Colosseum is a busy attraction year round), but also offers soft lighting for your Colosseum picture.

Sunset: Arriving closer to sunset (between 4:30pm and 7pm, depending on the season) is another great time for taking pictures. The pinks, golds and oranges of the sky act complement the beige and tan of the Colosseum. When edited well, these photos can look like they’re straight out of a travel magazine.

At night: Think magic, moonlight and mystery — the Colosseum is bathed in a lovely glow at night, beckoning visitors to its folds. Make the most of the golden light spilling out of its arches, and you can click pictures that are romantic and scenic.

What about mid-day?

We recommend avoiding photoshoots during midday since the sunlight can get harsh, and Rome is especially notorious for its sweltering summers (June to August). Even in cooler months (November to January), the lack of shadow during this time of day may mean sub-optimal pictures.

Clicking photos inside the Colosseum

There are plenty of places inside the Colosseum that act as great photo spots. They include:

Level 2: From the second tier, you can get a fabulous shot of the first seating level along with the Arena floor. Use the panorama mode to sweep from left to right. If you wish, you can use an editing tool (like Lightroom or Photoshop) to stitch panoramic shots together. 

The Underground: You can also click long shots of the tunnels in the Hypogeum, making it seem like they run on for miles.

The Arena: From the Arena, you can take a low-angle shot of the seating tiers, covering right up to the Belvedere (the terrace) and the sky. Talk about a grand shot, right?

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, which device can do it all?

Do you need a professional camera, or will a smartphone suffice? The short answer is either works, but it also depends on whether you’re looking to click pictures for social media or just store them as memories (in which case mobile phones are more than sufficient). If you’re a professional photographer or are looking to develop the pictures for an album, then you might choose a camera instead.

A note about accessories

A tripod is usually more than enough to take pictures of the Colosseum and serves both cameras and smartphones alike.* However, if you’re a tech geek, you might also want to experiment with gimbals, GoPros and the like, especially when you’re inside the Colosseum.

*Note that tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed inside the Colosseum. 

Photo enthusiasts can bring along wide-angle lenses to capture the full scale of the Colosseum. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare, and a tripod is useful for stable long-exposure shots, especially at night.

Pro tip: Don’t let the device be a source of stress for you — you can capture memorable moments of your tour whether you’re using a phone or a camera. For the added vintage effect, you can even click a Polaroid photo — with its blurred edges and haziness. 

Images of the Roman Colosseum before photography

Much before the camera, humble watercolors and oil pastels did wonders to bring the Colosseum alive. By the 1700s, knowledge of the Colosseum’s architectural grandeur had traveled far and wide, and people wanted to have a visual keepsake of the monument after their visit. They took back paintings that were similar to modern-day postcards. Here are some notable artworks of the Colosseum:

• Salomon Corrodi’s View of Rome with the Colosseum and the Roman Forum: Painted in warm tones, the painting is very similar to what an early morning shot of the Colosseum might look like.

• Alexey Tarasovich Markov’s Eustace Placido in the Colosseum: This painting is a striking depiction of the martyrdom of St. Eustace, who was condemned to death by Emperor Hadrian.

• Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg, view of the interior of the Colosseum: Painted in the 18th century, this image shows the decline of the Colosseum almost as a wasteland, with overgrown weeds and a grayscale effect that creates a somber mood.

  
  

Frequently asked questions about clicking Colosseum photos

What locations offer the best angles for photographing the Colosseum?
For iconic wide shots, head to the Colle Oppio park or the area near the Arch of Constantine. For close-ups and unique perspectives, explore the Colosseum's interior and upper tiers. The viewpoint from Via Nicola Salvi also offers a lesser-known angle of the Colosseum framed by greenery. You can also try capturing reflections of the Colosseum in puddles after rain for a unique shot.

Are there any restrictions on photography inside the Colosseum?
Photography is allowed inside the Colosseum, but tripods and selfie sticks are not. Flash photography is discouraged to preserve the ancient structure.

How can I avoid crowds in my photos of the Colosseum?
Arriving early in the morning, especially on weekdays, is the best way to avoid crowds. Alternatively, visiting during the late afternoon or using creative angles to focus on the architecture rather than the crowds can help.

Can I take night-time photos of the Colosseum?
Yes, the Colosseum is beautifully lit at night, making it a perfect subject for nighttime photography. The golden lights against the dark sky provide a dramatic contrast that can result in stunning images.

Can I use a drone to take aerial photos of the Colosseum?
Drone use is heavily restricted in Rome, especially near historical sites like the Colosseum. It’s best to check local regulations or opt for elevated viewpoints instead.

If I don’t want to click my own pictures, are there any professional photography tours available for the Colosseum?
Yes, several companies offer guided photography tours around the Colosseum, providing tips on composition and access to some of the best shooting locations. They also help you pose in strategic locations. Most photos will be mailed to you within 48 hours of the shoot.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when photographing the Colosseum?
Avoid shooting during midday when the light is harsh, and be mindful of your composition—try to avoid cutting off parts of the structure in your framing.

What are the best smartphone settings for capturing the Colosseum?
Use HDR mode for balanced exposure, and consider using gridlines to improve your composition. For night shots, switch to manual mode to control exposure settings.