Circus Maximus

Circus Maximus which includes a ruin, heritage architecture and heritage elements

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Wander this tranquil park, which was once home to the largest entertainment complex in ancient Rome.

Now a long grassy expanse, Circus Maximus was once a colossal sporting venue providing entertainment to the inhabitants of the ancient capital. Stand in the middle of this vast open park and imagine the speeding chariots that once raced around the track.

Construction of the Circus Maximus is believed to have been in the late 7th or 6th century B.C. It was originally made mostly of wood and had a capacity of approximately 145,000. Under the rule of Julius Caesar, the stands were changed to stone to prevent fire damage and the stadium was expanded. The track became 1,968 feet (600 meters) long while the total number of seats was increased to somewhere between 200,000 and 300,000, making it much larger than most present-day stadiums.

The 328-foot (100-meter) wide oval-shaped course has long since disappeared with lush grassland now standing in its place, though it’s easy to picture chariots charging around at breakneck speeds. In contrast, the park now provides a superb place to escape the noise and crowds of the city. Local families and children often come here to rest, picnic or play games. Wander around under the glowing sun, lie in the shade of leafy trees and watch the world go by.

Stroll around the park to where the ancient obelisk still stands. This obelisk was used to mark the first curve on the track. Carry on past this and find a small section of the old stadium. This is all that remains of the original structure, so you’ll have to use your imagination to conjure up an image of how the venue would have looked back when a quarter of the population of Rome came here to be entertained.

Circus Maximus is located just south of the city center between Palatine and Aventine hills, so a visit here can be easily combined with a trip to Palatine Hill, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Ride the metro line to Circo Massimo station or hop on a bus. There is no restriction on when you can visit and no admission charge.

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Reviews of Circus Maximus

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
127
" "5 - Excellent 32.39795918367347%
4 - Good
191
" "4 - Good 48.724489795918366%
3 - Okay
67
" "3 - Okay 17.091836734693878%
2 - Disappointing
6
" "2 - Disappointing 1.530612244897959%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.25510204081632654%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
4 Jan 2020

If you do new year fireworks the laser show and fireworks are good ,however if you stand on river bridges not far from site you get view of circus ones plus all local ones.Some large BANGs are very loud.Also locals set off firecrackers and lanterns from bridges and its free to watch.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
14 Nov 2019

Impressive sight but very muddy during wet weather

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 Oct 2019

Similar to my comments on Colosseum needs Disneyfying. I can still remember Ben Hur and see the chariots racing.My children could only see a field. Race something! Bikes Golf Trollies, Do a Top Gear. I appreciate the ancient monument but bring it into 2020

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
4 Oct 2019

Incredible place, so much history

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
27 Aug 2019

Do the Virtual reality tour, its amazing!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
17 Aug 2019

Visible from Palatine Hill and is also a stop on most Bus tours. Would have been breathtaking 2000 years ago with 150,000 people there - maybe not so much now.

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