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.
The Greek island of Santorini is known for its fantastic views at sunset. The town of Oia is the best location because of its unobstructed views to the west. I was fortunate to have two beautiful days on the island to experience these brilliant sunsets. Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 50
Santorini Sunset Cruise
The island of Santorini is on everyone’s list of must-see sights when visiting Greece. The island and the surrounding sea is truly beautiful, but the tourist towns of Fira and Oia can get really crowded, especially when a cruise ship arrives in port. The perfect solution is to charter a private sailing tour in the caldera (the blown out part of the volcano that has filled with water). Seven of us hired a boat, captain and 1st mate for a 5-hour cruise “vacation” away from the crowded towns. It was fantastic! Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 51
Rome, the Roman Forum
I’ve flown a few hundred miles back west and have arrived in the Eternal City! Rome is one of my favorite big cities because it really is compact… not sprawling like London. Visiting the ancient Roman Forum is a great way to begin our adventures in Rome. Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 52
The Colosseum
When I was a kid I saw the film “Dr. Dolittle” and I remember the doctor singing “I’ve seen the Colosseum in Rome and the Acropolis… but I’ve never seen anything quite like this (referring to talking to the animals). In the course of one week I’ve seen both landmarks too. Bella! Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 53
The Vatican Museum
This place is huge and always crowded. There over nine miles of artwork in the chapels, rooms, and passageways of this former Vatican Palace, which has been the home to many Popes. Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 54
The Sistine Chapel
Did you know that in 1508 when Pope Julius II asked Michelangelo to begin work on the ceiling, Michelangelo wanted nothing to do with it because he was a sculptor and had never even dabbled in the art of fresco. Over the course of 4 years he learned! Click the picture to watch the video.
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Day 55
Saint Peter’s Basilica
Saint Peter’s Basilica is the largest Catholic church in the world. The Holy Door has been unsealed and opened by the Pope to begin a “year of mercy”. Typically, the door is opened only every 50 years. The last time it was opened was in 2000. Have you ever seen the Holy Door opened at the Vatican? Click the picture to watch the video.
About 2500 years ago, kings and other important people traveled to this remote area to have their “fortune” told by an oracle who was induced into a trance by the locale. Delphi is a great way to begin a trip to Greece… off-the-beaten-path, historic and no tourist hubbub. Click the picture below to watch the video.
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Day 43
Epidavrous Greek Theatre
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Day 44
Mycenae
The Mycenaeans ruled much of present-day Greece from 1700-1100 B.C., then they mysteriously disappeared. This is the site of their capital city and royal palace where up to 30,000 people resided. Click the picture below to watch the video.
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Day 45
Politics in Greece
Greeks are in an uproar again about their county’s poor financial standing with the EU. Most Greeks are fed up with the financial cuts the government has place on their lifestyles. I filmed this peaceful demonstration in Syntagma Square from the rooftop of my hotel.
Often the news media spins this sort of gathering as “riots in the streets” and civil unrest. Not so here, 4 or 5 blocks away, no one was aware the demonstration was happening. Click the picture below to watch the video.
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Day 46
A Stroll around Santorini
The village of Oia is located at the northern tip of the volcanic island. For me, it is the best choice for a hotel or guesthouse here rather than other locations on the island. I hope you enjoy the pics from my stroll around Oia. Click the picture below to watch the video.
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Day 47
Annie Adare, local guide in Volterra, Italy
I recently visited with Annie Adare, my friend and local guide in Volterra, Italy. After many walking tours with Annie, I finally got around to writing a proper review on Annie’s Trip Advisor page. If you know Annie, take a minute and write a review or leave a comment.
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Day 48
Donkeys in Oia
There are 336+ steps down from the village to the harbor and beach here in Oia. On my trek down, I encounter 20 or so donkeys standing near the bottom, ready and waiting to bring weary tourist back up the stairs. They were bored and hot and had nothing better to do than take a “dump.” For me, it was a “fragrant” and dirty walk. You can bet I dove in the water the first chance I got! Click the picture below to watch the video.
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge stretches across to a small island on the very northern tip of Ireland. It was used in years past by salmon fishermen to reach this strategic location where the fish rounded this point on their migrations.
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Day 34
The Ulster Way
The Ulster Way is a coastal footpath along the north coast of Ireland. I walked a section near the Giant’s Causeway. Click the picture below to watch the video.
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Day 35
The Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
The Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge video. Click the picture below to watch the video.
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Day 36
The Great Hedges
This beautiful country lane is considered one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland. This highly acclaimed stand of beech trees ranks among the top five “tree tunnels” in the world.
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Day 37
Kylemore Victorian Walled Gardens
Kylemore Castle was built in 1867 by Mitchell Henry as a new home for him and his wife. The Victorian Walled Garden was placed nearby and contains plants and flowers introduced to Ireland before 1901. It is a quiet and beautiful respite from the tour buses in the parking lot! Click the picture below to watch the video.
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Day 38
Doolin, Co Clare
Doolin is a little village on the west coast of Ireland. All my tours stop by here for a night of good music and craic.
On my jog this morning, I ran across this view looking toward the Cliffs of Moher.
Life is slow in Doolin, everything slows down and takes a rest.
McDermott’s Pub is my favorite place for music and craic.
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Day 39
The American Cemetery-Florence
MEMORIAL DAY IN THE USA- Remembering the young American men and women who sacrificed their lives in battle so that we can live a life of freedom. God Bless America! Click the picture below to watch the video.
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Day 40
Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Castle was built in 1867 by Mitchell Henry as a new home for him and his wife. Later, the property was sold to a group of Benedictine nuns who consecrated the chapel and opened a boarding school for girls. Click the picture below to watch the video.
This massive church is the fourth largest in Europe (after St. Peter’s in Rome, St. Paul’s in London and the Cathedral of Sevilla). Construction began in 1386 and the final stones were laid in 1805… almost 5 centuries later!
Sun setting on the western façade
The interior is not really rounded, but this is the only way I could capture it all from top to bottom
It is beautiful at night too
For an extra fee, you can climb to the roof and take a walk
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Day 27
The Grand Canal
I treated my group to a Grand Canal-side dinner in Venice. I’ve come to this spot year after year and it is always a winning location. Tonight we began with aperitivi, lots of conversation, an appetizer plate and finished it off with pizza.
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Day 28
The Rock of Cashel
The Rock of Cashel looms majestically over the plains of County Tipperary, Ireland. It is the historical site where the Celtic high king Aengus was baptized by Saint Patrick. Click the picture below to watch the video.
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Day 29
The Guinness Experience
In 1759, Arthur Guinness took out a 9,000 year lease on this property at a cost of 45 pounds sterling per year. Almost 250 years later, they are still producing some of the best stout in the world.
A skyscraper view across Dublin from the Gravity Bar atop the Guinness Storehouse
Lots of Guinness!
This is a huge carved wooden piece of art designed to represent the perfect pint
Guinness “University” – learning to pour the perfect pint
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Day 30
Kylemore Castle/Abbey
Posting from the world’s slowest wifi connection.
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Day 31
Stone Ring Forts
Ireland is littered with ancient stone ring forts dating from 1500 BC to the 1100s AD. One well-preserved fort is known as CAHERGAL STONE FORT on the “Ring of Kerry” driving route. Click the picture below to watch the video.
It was an enlightening experience to visit the interior of Siena’s Cathedral. Colorful mosaic floors, frescoes, stained glass and world-class sculptures abound.
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Day 20
Florence
I’ve been to Florence dozens of times, so sometimes the sights become routine. Today, I followed along with my group as Paola, a local guide, gave us a walking tour on and off the beaten path.
The Ponte Vecchio and River Arno
The Palazzo Vecchio or Medici Fortress dominates the Piazza della Signoria. The door here is framed by a copy of “David” by Michelangelo and Hercules and Cacus.
The Medici Fortress and bell tower
Carousel in the Piazza dell’Indipendenza
The Duomo and Giotto’s Bell Tower
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Day 21
Saying Goodbye
We’ve had a HOHO (hop-on-hop-off) tour in Italy the last few weeks. Eight people hopped off the tour yesterday in Venice and they are definitely missed today in Lake Como. Thanks David, Maureen, Mike, Jill, Shane-Patti Turcotte, Jack and Nancy for trusting Charlotte and me to show you our favorite places in Italy.
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Day 22
Cruising Lake Como, Italy
It was a cold and rainy day but we made the best of it cruising from Bellagio to Lenno on Lake Como. Click the picture below to watch the video.
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Day 23
Villa Balbianello
This beautiful villa is located near Lenno on Lake Como in Italy. It was most recently used as a setting for Star Wars II and 007 Casino Royal. Click the picture below to watch the video.
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Day 24
Teatro Alla Scala
This is probably the most famous opera house in the world. In 1977, on my first trip to Europe, my choir director made us sit through an opera here… and I don’t even remember what it was! I visited the museum here today.
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Day 25
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
This was one of the first indoor shopping malls in Europe. It is four stories of Neo-Classical elegance and was completed in 1877. Today, it houses some very chic shops such as Prada, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Armani and about ten others.
This huge indoor mall has recently undergone a complete cleaning and it is all bright and shiny. The mall is shaped like a plus sign with massive open archways at all exits. You can see one here at the very end.
The Aperol Spritz bar.
Aperol Spritz is a well-known “aperitivo” before dinner drink in Italy. Here, an entire cafe is dedicated to serving this drink.
I am grinding my heel (three times) on the testicles of this mosaic bull. This local custom is known as the “ritual of the bull.”
