Day 2 in Rome: The Pantheon, Roman Forum, and a Nighttime Colosseum Tour
Photo by David Köhler / Unsplash

Day 2 in Rome: The Pantheon, Roman Forum, and a Nighttime Colosseum Tour

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On our second day in Rome, we delved deeper into the city’s ancient history, exploring iconic landmarks like the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. We capped off the day with a magical nighttime tour of the Colosseum, including its underground chambers and arena floor. Here’s a detailed account of our Roman adventure.

Morning: The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Ticket Tips
A Full Experience ticket for the Colosseum includes access to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. We planned to visit the Forum first but encountered a long queue at 10:30 a.m. To avoid the heat and wait, we decided to explore other areas and return later in the afternoon.


Late Morning: Breakfast at Ginger Cafe

We stopped by Ginger Cafe, conveniently located near the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. Offering a mix of breakfast and lunch options, the cafe became a favorite after our previous visit. Today’s highlights included a massive panini and fluffy pancakes, providing the perfect fuel for the day ahead.


Midday: Visiting the Pantheon

Ticketing Challenges
Despite attempting to book online, the Pantheon’s ticketing website repeatedly declined our cards. Arriving in person, we joined a long queue and learned that the entrance now requires a fee (€5) and pre-purchased tickets let you skip the line. We recommend securing tickets in advance to save time.

Inside the Pantheon
The Pantheon’s 16 massive columns, carved as single pieces in Egypt and transported to Rome, were an architectural marvel. Inside, we admired its famous oculus, intricate floor drainage system, and the Tomb of Raphael. Guided by a Rick Steves audio tour, we gained deeper insights into its history.


Afternoon: Returning to the Roman Forum

Perfect Timing
Returning to the Forum at 3:30 p.m. proved ideal. The earlier long line had shortened, and the afternoon shade made exploring more comfortable. Once the heart of political and religious life in ancient Rome, the Forum hosted elections, speeches, and trials.

Key Highlights

  • The Temple of Julius Caesar: Thought to be the site of Caesar’s cremation, marked by a mound of flowers.
  • Ruins of temples dedicated to Roman gods and goddesses.

Evening: Nighttime Tour of the Colosseum

Special Access at Night
Our evening concluded with a spectacular tour of the Colosseum’s underground and arena. Night tours offer smaller groups (25 people max) and a quieter atmosphere, enhancing the experience.

What We Explored

  • Underground Chambers: Saw the trap doors and tracks used to transport animals and scenery during ancient gladiatorial games.
  • Arena Floor: Standing where gladiators once fought provided a surreal sense of history.

Tour Highlights
The tour lasted just over an hour and included headsets for clear commentary. At just €25 per person (booked through the Co-op Culture website), it was an incredible value. The ambiance of the Colosseum lit at night, with minimal crowds, made it an unforgettable experience.


Reflections on the Day

Rome’s rich history and vibrant energy made every moment memorable. From the engineering feats of the Pantheon to the grandeur of the Colosseum, we immersed ourselves in the wonders of ancient Rome.

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