Show Me The Money – How to get local CASH for your trip abroad.
In the USA, I think nothing of going into a convenience store, picking up a soda and a snack and paying the $5 bill with my debit card. In fact, I seldom use CASH to pay for anything in the USA. Europeans, on the other hand, tend to pay for all minor purchases with CASH. Actually, you’ll be hard pressed to find a merchant in Europe that will accept a credit or debit card for small purchases under $30 USD. I am a firm believer in embracing the culture, customs and traditions of the countries I visit so I always default to the local customs when it comes to spending money. With this in mind, you are always going to need cold hard CASH, the local currency, when making a small purchase.
There are many places where CASH is required in Europe. Paying for drinks, snacks, an ice cream, a coffee, entrance fees, subway tickets, or even “splitting the bill” at lunch will require CASH. In this article, I’ll discuss a few methods to get the CASH you’ll need for your travels and suggest that a debit card and ATM are, hands down, the best choice.
Travelers Checks – Don’t Do It!
Once upon a time, travelers checks were the safest and best way to get your hands on the local currency in Europe. Forty years ago, I recall going to the bank with my granddad to purchase American Express travelers checks for my first-ever European adventure. It was exciting handing over several hundred US dollars in exchange for a custom wallet filled with travelers checks. I was even more excited when I walked into the American Express Office for the first time in Venice, spoke to a nice young lady in English and traded my travelers check for Italian Lira.
That’s all different today. I just did a quick search at the American Express website (http://www.americanexpress.com/us/content/prepaid/travelers-cheques/service-center.html) for locations in my hometown to purchase AMEX Travelers Checks. Only three locations popped up and they were all banks. Even worse, my search for exchange locations in Venice, Italy only returned five locations, three banks and two Travelex kiosks. All five are known to give the poorest of the poor exchange rates.
Traveler’s checks offer the poorest return on your investment. Exchanging them for
the local currency will always incur a fee and inflated exchange rates. These are often hidden in the advertisement and promotions seen at the exchange kiosks. I’ve done the calculations many times while waiting for a client to exchange travelers checks for cash. In every instance, after comparing the actual transaction receipt to the advertisement, there has been a discrepancy often costing 5%-7% more than the already expected dismal exchange rate.
I’m sure by now you realize that I’m not a big fan of travelers checks. Given that, very few merchants will even accept them coupled with the high exchange rates. I strongly recommend that you use one of the following methods to acquire CASH when traveling abroad. If you’re determined to purchase travelers checks, just in case, I suggest starting with the American Express site mentioned above or ask at your local bank.
American or Canadian Dollars – Not A Good Idea!
Striking off on a trip with hundreds of dollars’ cash tucked away in your wallet or money belt is not really a good idea. With that said, I do carry a few US dollars in my moneybelt if for no other reason than to have some when I arrive back home in the USA. Additionally, it gives a bit of comfort knowing that in a pinch I can pull out a few US dollars and maybe have it accepted as a form of payment. But usually the merchant will accept US dollars only as a souvenir to be placed on the wall in their place of business. Ha!
There was a time when US dollars were accepted all over the world, but now with the dollar’s weak value, especially in Europe, needlessly carrying them around makes little sense. And from a practical standpoint, why take the risk of carrying lots of CASH and perhaps having it stolen.
It is possible to exchange your US dollars for the local currency at all airports and many major European cities. Travelex and MoneyCorp along with reputable independent European vendors are big players in this industry and rightly so… they make big bucks exchanging one currency for another. I suggest leaving your hard earned US dollars at home and get your CASH in Europe.
Buying Foreign Currency Before Your Trip– You’ll Lose!
It is possible to purchase Euros, Sterling or any foreign currency before you leave home. Your local bank and several online agencies will be happy to sell you any foreign currency for a fee, of course. One advantage of getting your foreign currency before traveling is simply for convenience. You don’t have to worry about it when you arrive at your destination. But that’s the only advantage! Ordering the actual foreign cash is big business and the banks and exchange agencies charge high exchange rates and exorbitant fees.
Recently, I conducted an online search in which I wanted to order €100 cash and have it shipped to my home address. The interbank exchange rate on this date (September 2, 2016) was listed as €100 = $1.12 at http://www.oanda.com.
In the chart below, I have calculated the mark-up percentage based on picking the cash up at your local bank (not possible with Travelex) and having it shipped to your home via first-class mail. Of course, the “% mark-up/shipping” will go down if you order more cash in one shipping, but it will never be less than the mark-up without shipping.
Vendor
Euro
USD
%mark-up
Shipping
Total/shipping
% mark-up/shipping
Travelex
€100
$123.00
9.82%
$9.99
132.99
18.75%
Bank of America
€100
$117.00
4.46%
7.50
125.29
11.16%
Well Fargo
€100
$117.79
5.16%
15.00
132.79
18.56%
Pre-Paid Debit/ATM Cards – Only If You Are Under Age 18!
Prepaid debit cards are available everywhere! Go to any Walmart, Walgreens, Target or even the neighborhood gas station and you will see displays for these seemingly savvy debit cards. They all promise basically the same thing: the convenience of a debit card without age restrictions and a credit check. Simply preload the card with cash and use it almost anywhere a credit or debit card is accepted.
All of this sounds smart, but there are some drawbacks that could cost you a whole lot of money. All of these cards come loaded with fine-print contracts imposing charges and fees for each use. There are often fees associated with each ATM withdrawal, each credit transaction, each reload of funds and even each balance inquiry. Furthermore, the issuing bank will charge a markup percentage for each transaction made in a foreign country similar to the Travelex transactions mentioned in the above paragraph. With all this negative cash flow, what makes the card appealing for the European traveler?
A prepaid debit card may be the logical choice for a student under the age of 18 traveling to Europe. Most financial institutions will not issue a true debit card to persons under 18 years of age. Under 18s are usually issued an ATM card instead. These ATM cards do not carry the VISA or MASTERCARD logo and always draw funds from a savings account, not a checking account. Anyone holding such a card will get to Europe and find it will not work because ATM machines in Europe only accept debit cards with VISA or MASTERCARD logos, have a four-digit PIN number associated with it and draws funds from a checking account.
Cash Advance On Your Credit Card – Only in An Emergency!
A cash advance is a service available on most credit cards That allows you to walk into a bank or use an ATM to get local currency cash. There is a limit to the amount of cash you can receive and it usually is the spending limit on your credit card. This is OK in an emergency situation, say if you have exhausted your bank account and need funds to get you home. But for most situations it is a very bad idea. All credit card companies advertise a more expensive interest rate for cash withdrawals than for purchases. This often can be 10% or more. My American Express and MasterCard card carries a 14.75% interest rate on purchases and 25.79% interest rate on cash advances. That is outrageous! Enough said on this subject.
Debit Cards – Your Best Bet!
This is the best way to get cold hard cash while traveling in Europe! There are ATM machines (often called Bankomats in Europe) everywhere and you treat them just like those here in the United States. Simply insert your card, type in your PIN code and choose the cash amount. The machine makes some noise and then spits out cash in the currency of that country.
Before traveling, find out what fees and conversion rates your bank will assess on foreign ATM transactions and purchases. Often there is an assessment fee based on a percentage of your purchase and a transaction fee of $2-$5 if an ATM withdrawal. Most banks use the lowest interbank exchange rate (the rate banks use to do business with one another) when calculating your exchange rate on any given day.
I have a good deal with my credit union! On ATM transactions, I receive the lowest interbank rate and no fees. If using my debit card to make a purchase, I receive the lowest interbank rate and a 1% fee.
Bank
Fee
Mark-up
Exchange rate
*Community 1st Credit Union FL
none
0%
Interbank rate
Wells Fargo
$5
3%
?
Bank of America
$5
3%
$.05 mark up from interbank rate
Chase
$5
3%
$.05 mark up from interbank rate
*This is the credit union where I bank in my hometown. These figures are verified by my bank statements. As you can see, this credit union have the best rate for withdrawals for an international ATM. Perhaps other credit unions have the same rates and policies? I invite your comments.
Even though this is the best way to get cash while traveling in Europe there is one drawback to using your debit card at ATM machines… the bank that own the ATM may charge a small fee of €2-5 for using their ATM machine. But for the convenience, it is nothing to worry about. To minimize these fees, I suggest making a few large withdrawals instead of a lot of little ones. Also, check with your bank to see if they have a partner bank overseas. You can often withdraw money from these ATMs at no charge. Many ATM machines in Europe don’t give you a receipt, so don’t worry too much about that either. I make a note of each transaction to compare with my bank records either online or when I return home. There has never been a mistake!
Points to consider when choosing a debit card:
Make sure it has a hologram logo (Visa is best). People have had trouble with cards that don’t have the hologram. A lot of the time the cards that don’t have the hologram are only ATM cards and not debit cards. You need a debit card! Contact your bank if you’re not sure what type of card you have.
Make sure the rear of your card sports one of three logos: PLUS, MAESTRO or CIRRUS. These are the global cash networks managed by Visa and MasterCard.
Often students under the age of eighteen are issued ATM cards by their bank. These often draw money from a savings account. Here in the USA these ATM cards work without a hitch. But in Europe they seldom work! Don’t bring such a card to Europe…it will just take up space in your money belt and get you no cash!
Make photocopies of your debit card as well as your credit card, passport and other important documents. Stick one copy in the bottom of your suitcase or moneybelt and leave another copy at home.
Try out your debit card at several ATM machines to make sure it works before leaving the country.
Notify your bank that you will be using your card abroad. Most banks will put a travel exception on the account so that your spending will be approved while traveling. If you do not notify your bank or credit card company you will be denied access to your funds.
Summary
When traveling to Europe, you will at some point need cash. The best option is to bring a debit card. This can be used at any ATM and incurs the smallest fees. Check with your bank to see if they have an overseas partner. Credit cards can be used as an emergency backup if you don’t have cash. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. Remember to notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling. Exchanging money or cashing travelers checks is time-consuming and expensive. Avoid these options if possible.
If you found this article informative, please share it with your friends, family, coworkers and associates. If you have something to add, just leave a comment in the box below.
Do you want to learn more about traveling to Europe? There is a wealth of information and special discount pricing on my tours at https://davidmcguffin.com/.
David McGuffin is Founder and CEO of David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe, Inc., based in Middleburg, Florida. You can connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, Google+,LinkedIn and YouTube. David spends his time in Europe organizing and leading small group and independent tours to European destinations. In business since 2001, David has provided exceptional travel opportunities to several thousand satisfied customers. You can find out more about David and his European tours at his website, https://davidmcguffin.com.
The Alpe di Siusi is the largest alpine meadow in Europe. Located in the Dolomite Mountains, it is also known by the German name, Seiser Alm. This beautiful alpine meadow is in use year-round for biking, hiking and skiing. Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 69
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and always bustles with entertainment. Walk the Royal Mile, visit the Castle, lounge in Princes Street Gardens or stroll like a noble in the Georgian-era new town; there is something here for everyone. Pubs and eateries serve up traditional food with a eclectic flare. Have a “wee dram” and enjoy the city. Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 70
Edinburgh
Harry Potter was written here as was Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. Poets and bards made this their home. It boasts an old medieval town tumbling down from the castle and a “new” 18th-century Georgian town. There is a lot to see and experience in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 71
Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle stands majestically guarding the mouth of the River Conwy at the Irish Sea. It has been here since 1284 looking pretty much as it does today. The English, under King Edward I, built this castle to protect themselves from their newly acquired subjects… The Welsh! Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 72
Caernarfon Castle
In the 13th century, the Welsh were fighting bitter battles with the English who were invading their lands. Finally, in 1283, Edward I of England defeated the Welsh and claimed the land as his own. During the next few years Edward built great defensive castles to ward off the Welsh attacks and to protect his armies from the savage Welsh warriors. Caernarfon is one of those castles. Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 73
South Docklands
The South Docklands was once a thriving port with wharfs and warehouses lining the River Liffey. The 19th and 20th centuries saw a massive economic decline in this area of town. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of local pride coupled with economic development in the area. I ran across this “take pride in our community” parade while strolling down the Liffey. Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 74
Dublin Docklands
Dublin’s Docklands district has gone through many changes over the last 100 years. In the boom days of the Celtic Tiger economy (1990’s and early 2000’s) this area was filled with construction cranes and lots of development. Unfortunately, the economic recession of 2008-2016 caused all the development to lay dormant. Now in mid-2016, things are picking up, construction is booming again and the Docklands are loaded with start-up and well-founded tech businesses. Click the picture to watch.
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Day 75
Viking Splash Tour
The Viking Splash Tour is a fun (and informative) way to sightsee in Dublin. The WWII-era vehicles actually do “splash” into the Grand Canal Square for a cruise on the water. I had loads of fun! Click the picture to watch.
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Day 76
Grand Canal Docks
Dublin’s Grand Canal Docks were opened in 1796 and soon became the world’s largest docks. By the 1960’s this place was completely derelict and almost forgotten as a piece of Dublin’s landscape. The 2000’s saw massive clean-up projects and an influx of young tech start-ups such as Google, Facebook, AirB&B, and TripAdvisor. As a result, this area has been nicknamed The “Silicon Docks.” Click the picture to watch.
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Day 77
Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are Ireland’s second largest tourist attraction and rightly so! Plunging over 700 feet into the Atlantic Ocean, these cliffs occupy a five-mile stretch of land in West Clare. Over 1 million people visit here each year, some for only an hour and others spending several hours hiking the trails along the cliffs. Click the picture to watch.
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Day 78
Zagreb
Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia. In this episode we will take a short look around the so called “Green Horseshoe.” It is a pleasant walking transition from the ugly post WWII-era’s high rise neighborhoods to the elegant 19th-century old town. Click the picture to watch.
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Day 79
Zagreb’s Outdoor Market
Each morning, local farmers, vendors and craftsmen set up a table under the colorful red umbrellas in Zagreb’s Dolac outdoor market. The market bustles with activity from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every day except Sunday. This is one of the best outdoor markets I’ve visited in Europe and certainly a place to embrace the culture and feel the pulse of everyday life. Click the picture to watch.
Volterra is my favorite Tuscan hill-town. Its cute, cobbled streets, medieval ambiance, old town hall, good food and great wine, will tug at your heart and make you want to stay for an extra day…or week! Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 62
La Vena di Vino
La Vena di Vino is a “one-of-a-kind” bar. Owners Bruno and Lucio serve fine Italian wine, great antipasti cold cuts and plenty of ambiance. I am lucky to count them as my friends. Francesco, another friend and local wine expert, meets all my groups for an informative wine tasting. Invariably, we are all self-proclaimed experts after the lesson. Salute! Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 63
San Lorenzo Market
The San Lorenzo Market in Florence has been bustling for decades. Each day, vendors roll out their carts loaded with leather, clothing, pottery and jewelry. This outdoor market is a great place to browse and buy. Be sure to visit all the carts before making your purchase… and yes, it is ok to haggle over the price a little. Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 64
Venice off the Beaten Path
Venice has been entertaining tourist for several centuries and they all flock to the same squares, bridges and shops. Venturing just 100 yards away from the busy tourist sights will put you in the heart of Venice’s neighborhoods where real families work, drink, play and eat. Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 65
The Venetian Arsenal
The Venetians had a mighty naval presence during their heyday. Situated at the crossroads between Europe and the East, there was a lot of maritime trade passing through. The Venetian Arsenale was built in 1104 and was the largest industrial complex in the world for centuries. Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 66
St. Elena
The St. Elena neighborhood is on the quiet side of Venice. Off the beaten tourist path, it offers a peek into a well-loved community in the Castello part of Venice. Located only about a half-mile from Piazza San Marco… but oh, so very different! Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 67
Bolzano
Bolzano is located in the Alto Adige region of Italy and is actually more German than Italian. Cool weather, soaring mountains and Austro-Hungarian decor. This is the perfect stop to make a cultural transition between Italy and Austria. Bolzano is also home to Ötzi the “Iceman”, a well-preserved mummy dating from 3300 B.C. You’ll see him near the end of this video. Click the picture to watch.
When traveling outside the United States it is very likely you’ll encounter different electrical plugs, outlets, and voltages than here at home. That’s because most of the world uses an electrical system that requires twice as much voltage as we do in the United States. Years ago, the only travel concern, relating to electricity, was how to plug in a blow dryer or curling iron without causing a meltdown. But not today, just think of all the gadgets we have: mobile phones, mp3 players, laptop computers, tablet computers, video cameras, digital cameras, and more. With all these electronic gadgets, it would seem that traveling with electronics is complicated. It’s not that difficult… here are my hints and suggestions.
YOU’VE GOT TO PLUG IT IN
No matter what the gadget, you’ve got to plug it into something. In the USA, that would be a socket in the wall like the one pictured below.
Logically, anywhere there is electricity, we expect to find some sort of socket in which to plug our stuff. However, the design of the socket is not universal! Practically, every country has its own modification of the basic design.
Typical continental Europe wall socket
If traveling to continental Europe, notice how this socket is recessed/inset about one inch. It is important to purchase an adapter like the one pictured below so it will fit inside the recessed hole.
Continental Europe ADAPTOR PLUG
If traveling to the UK or Ireland, notice how their outlets have toggle switches. The outlet will not have power until the toggle switch is turned on. This is usually indicated by a red signal on the top of the switch. However, if you find your appliance is not working, and there is no red indicator, consider toggling the switch and try again.
UK and IRELAND wall socket
VOLTAGE MATTERS
Originally, electricity was used for lighting, and depending on the country, the best-suited material for the wiring differed according to what was readily available. The United States agreed on a standard of about 110 volts AC. Meanwhile, in Europe, they agreed on a standard of around 220 volts AC.
Originally, appliances designed in Europe would work only in Europe. Those designed in the USA only worked in the USA. You could not “mix” voltage. That’s why the sockets and plugs differ. You’ve heard the saying, “you can’t put a square plug into a round hole?” So, this was an easy way to keep “dummies” from plugging in mismatched devices and melting down appliances when visiting countries other than their own.
Plug designed for use in the USA.
Plug designed for use in the UK and IRELAND
Plug designed for use in Continental Europe
When traveling from one country to another became common, not having “common” standards of electricity became a problem. Thus, the invention of the wall socket/plug ADAPTER and the VOLTAGE CONVERTER. With these two gadgets, theoretically, anyone could travel from one country to the other and never have to worry about electrical problems with their gadgets.
However, the best intended plans never seem to work all the time. I recall traveling on several occasions when suddenly the lights would dim and go out in our hotel or B&B. All too often, it was someone in my group trying to use their own USA hairdryer or flat iron, it overheating, and blowing a fuse or circuit.If you bring a curling iron, flat iron, straightener, or hair dryer from home (USA), you will need to purchase an electrical power converter and wall socket adapters. In theory, these electrical power converters step down the 240 volt power used in Europe to the 120 volts we use in the USA. These devices work most of the time, however, using them in older buildings with antique wiring will sometimes cause a meltdown of your appliance or even “blow” a circuit or fuse in the building.
MODERN ELECTRONIC GADGETS
Practically every electronic gadget manufactured since 1990 is designed to operate on multiple voltages. Mobile phones, computers, iPads, tablets, digital cameras, and camcorders will recognize and adapt to the voltage in which it is plugged… without damaging the gadget. However, just to be sure, always look at the device’s power cord, power supply, or documentation for a statement similar to that shown below.
Notice – INPUT 100V-240V 50/60Hz
If your device falls into the category above (and it will if it is some sort of mobile electronic gadget or camera) all you need is an adapter to plug into the wall socket. Here are examples for the UK and Continental Europe.
UK and IRELANDContinental Europe
TWO RELATED ITEMS
Some blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners are made to accept dual voltage. These generally have a small dial on the handle which can be rotated to select the appropriate electrical voltage. Often you can pick up this type of appliance at Walmart, Walgreens, Target or other retail outlets for $20 or less. When traveling in the UK or Ireland it is common to find the blow dryer in a drawer in your hotel room, NOT in the bathroom. Apparently, there is a building code that does not allow electronics or outlets in the bath area.
SUMMARY
The world does not operate on a standardized electrical system, each country has their own standards. Consequently, our appliances and gadgets will not work outside the USA without some electrical modification. For modern-day gadgets, you will need and electrical adapter that fits the wall socket for the country in which you will be traveling. Occasionally you may need an electrical converter and adapter if you use a blow dryer, flat iron or curling iron from the USA.
********************************************************** If you found this article informative, please share it with your friends, family, coworkers and associates. If you have something to add, just leave a comment in the box below.
Do you want to learn more about traveling to Europe? There is a wealth of information and special discount pricing on my tours at my website. Visit now at https://davidmcguffin.com/. David McGuffin is Founder and CEO of David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe, Inc., based in Middleburg, Florida. You can connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, Google+,LinkedIn and YouTube. David spends his time in Europe organizing and leading small group and independent tours to European destinations. In business since 2001, David has provided exceptional travel opportunities to several thousand satisfied customers. You can find out more about David and his European tours at his website, https://davidmcguffin.com.
The Cinque Terre is a popular tourist destination in Italy. If you like the beach, seaside, mountains and hiking, then this is an ideal place to visit. The villages are very crowded, especially in the summer tourist season. Often the major hiking trails can be backed up in a “people jam”! However, each village offers an opportunity to get off the beaten path and away from the crowds. One such place is in Monterosso al Mare on the “zii di frati”, the path up to the Capuchin Monastery and cemetery. Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 57
Treasure Hunting in the Cinque Terre
The Cinque Terre is a great place for outdoor activities. There are beaches, swimming, hiking and boating to name a few. Lately, I’ve enjoyed treasure hunting… you know, trying to find stuff other people have left behind. There is an activity called Geocaching that I’ve been dabbling with lately. Let’s go find a treasure in the Cinque Terre. Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 58
Vernazza Vacation
Vernazza is perhaps the most well-known of the five Cinque Terre villages. It has everything… beaches, bars, restaurants, cafes, markets and more. It is hard not to sit back, relax and slow down. Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 59
Manarola
Manarola may well be my favorite village in the Cinque Terre. One can get away from the tourist crowds (yes, even the cruise boat hoards) by walking to the top of the village and following the path into the vineyards. It offers fantastic panoramas of the pastel-painted town, the sea and the mountains. To begin this adventure, simply walk uphill (beginning at the tunnel into town from the train station) until you reach the church. Facing the church follow the little path behind the buildings on your left. Buon viaggio! Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 60
Ristorante Del Duca
Ristorante Del Duca is my all-time favorite restaurant anywhere! Chefs Ivanna, Genuino and their team produce fantastic menus using only the best local ingredients. Eating here is always a gourmet dinning adventure. Click the picture to watch the video.
Construction on the Colosseum began in 70 A.D. and it took only ten years to completely finish the building project. It has held up pretty well over the last 2,000 years! With the fall of Rome, the Colosseum fell into disrepair and stood there derelict through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Only a third of the original Colosseum still stands today. Some of it was destroyed in earthquakes but most was deconstructed after the fall of Rome and used as stonework for newer buildings.
It was not until 1749, when Pope Benedict XIV declared it a religious site, that it again gained recognition and received some much-needed repairs. The 20th century brought motorized traffic, air pollution, and an onslaught of tourism which again attacked the structural integrity and appearance of the Colosseum. At the beginning of the new millennium, it was evident that the Colosseum needed a serious sprucing up.
Jumping through lots of hoops and cutting miles of red tape, the Italian government’s archaeological service finally began the Colosseum’s first-ever cleaning project in November 2013. Scaffolding began to enshroud segments of the ancient amphitheater and a thorough cleaning of the exterior was underway. Cleaning was a tedious task done solely by hand and without harsh chemicals or high pressure sprayers.
During the cleaning in 2014
The process involved spraying a fine mist of water onto the porous stones to soften the 2,000 years of filth that had collected on the exterior. After a few hours, the cleaning technicians would go to work with toothbrushes to scrub away the grime in the nooks and crannies. Larger brushes were used on the face of the huge stones. It was a tedious task but there was no other way to attack the problem and be sure the structural integrity would not be affected.
Travertine, a type of limestone, was used to build the Colosseum. It is a porous stone that, when newly quarried, is creamy white in color. With age, the travertine takes on a light pink patina that protects the stone. Over the last 2,000 years, the travertine had collected a thick black crust of soot, pollution, and algae. With this cleaning, the Colosseum once again glows with the characteristic pink patina.
Although this cleaning project was carried out by the Italian government, it was funded totally by private donations. Diego Della Valle, the founder and CEO of Tod’s, contributed 25 million euros to this project. Tod’s is a well-known Italian leather and fashion store. There is more in store for the Colosseum’s clean up. Next up is work on the foundation and basement area where the gladiators and animals were originally staged. Once that’s finished, the plan is to install a floor in the amphitheater just as it was in Roman Imperial times. Finally, a new visitor center and ticket area will be installed to accommodate the four-million tourists who visit each year.
Newly Cleaned in 2016
The Colosseum was constructed by Emperor Vespasian (the first of several “Flavian” emperors) and was inaugurated in 80 A.D. as the Flavian Amphitheatre. The Romans were always seeking ways to take a Greek idea and put a new Roman twist on it. The Flavian Amphitheatre is no exception. In essence the Romans took the plans for a Classical Greek theatre and built two of them end to end, coming up with the design for a huge freestanding “amphi” theatre.
Nero, Emperor Vespasian’s predecessor, had constructed a lavish palace just over the hill, behind the modern-day metro station. The site where the Colosseum sits today was once a large man-made lake surrounded by porticos, balconies and grand walkways. This palace complex, known as the Domus Aurea (Golden House), contained a colossal 33-meter-tall (100 feet) bronze statue of Emperor Nero. After the Flavian Amphitheatre was constructed, Vespasian had Nero’s colossal statue placed out in front of his new colossal amphitheatre. The combination of the colossal statue of Nero and the colossal amphitheatre seemed to stick and the amphitheatre took on the nickname of the Colossal-seum, or Colosseum. Nero’s statue has perished, but you can see the site where it once stood on the grassy area between the Colosseum and the wrought iron fence flanking the forum area.
The Romans were known as great builders and pioneered many construction techniques still in use today. One such idea was that of the “rounded arch” and concrete. Essentially, the Romans would construct a shell of bricks and mortar and then pour concrete in the void making for a super strong and sturdy structure. This concrete-filled shell was then covered with gleaming white travertine marble for a finishing touch of grandeur. The exterior of the Colosseum is loaded with potholes
in the walls. The huge stones flanking the exterior were originally held together with iron pegs, buried into the stone. When the Colosseum became a relic after the fall of Rome, its ready-cut stones were cannibalized for easy building material. When iron was at a shortage, the Colosseum’s iron pegs were chiseled out to make weapons for war, as well as hinges, railing, and the like.
The next phase of the restoration involves the interior foundation and flooring.
The exterior resembles our modern-day soccer and football stadiums. In Roman times, the citizens attending an event at the amphitheatre had a ticket noting their seating assignment and which doorway to enter to get to their seats. Even today, you can find “Roman numerals” etched above the rounded arched “doorways” on the ground level noting the doorway’s number. Just like our stadiums today, the wide walkways and stairs were designed to get people into and out of the amphitheatre very quickly. Inside, along the walkways, were a multitude of kiosks in which vendors would sell official team merchandise, bowls of spaghetti, pizza, hot dogs, and beer.
To summarize, the Flavian Amphitheatre was constructed for the enjoyment and entertainment of the citizens of Rome. Admission was always free and events were often sponsored by politicians. The Colosseum opened in 80 A.D. with a 100-day festival of events in which 2,000 men and 9,000 animals were killed in one sort of competition or another. These events continued for almost 500 years. Then the Colosseum fell into disrepair and was neglected until the 1800s when the pope declared it a religious site. The last three centuries have seen some attempts as repairs but the rise of tourism and the evolution of air pollution has adversely impacted the structure. Now, a colossal cleaning has spruced up the Colosseum and it glows with a proud pink patina for all to enjoy.
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David McGuffin is Founder and CEO of David McGuffin’s Exploring Europe, Inc., based in Middleburg, Florida. You can connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, Google+,LinkedIn and YouTube. David spends his time in Europe organizing and leading small group and independent tours to European destinations. In business since 2001, David has provided exceptional travel opportunities to several thousand satisfied customers. You can find out more about David and his European tours at his website, https://davidmcguffin.com.
Edited: September 2022
