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Rome with a view: Colosseum opens its top levels to public

By  Associated Press
   
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Tourists at the ancient Colosseum as seen from the topmost floor during a media tour presenting the re-opening, after 40 years of the fourth and fifth level of the Italy’s most famous site, in Rome, Tuesday. During ancient Roman times — as now — the upper levels were the cheapest seats. They were reserved for the plebes because they were farther away from the spectacle and exposed to Rome’s harsh sun. | Andrew Medichini/Associated Press

ROME — Visitors to the Colosseum can now enjoy even more of the ancient amphitheater and the spectacular views it offers of Rome.

Officials on Tuesday showed off the newly restored fourth and fifth levels of the Colosseum, which are opening to the public for guided tours starting Nov. 1. Included in the visit is a connecting hallway that has never before been open to tourists.

Italian Culture Minister Dario Francheschini was on hand Tuesday to visit the new levels, which during ancient Roman times were the cheap seats, since they were farthest away from the spectacle.

Today, however, the top two levels of the 52-meter (171-foot) high Colosseum offer priceless views of the stadium itself, as well as the nearby Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and the rest of Rome.

The view from the top level of the ancient Colosseum in Rome. A media tour was held Tuesday for the re-opening, after 40 years, of the fourth and fifth level of the Italy’s most famous site. | Andrew Medichini/Associated Press

The view from the top level of the ancient Colosseum in Rome. A media tour was held Tuesday for the re-opening, after 40 years, of the fourth and fifth level of the Italy’s most famous site. | Andrew Medichini/Associated Press

The top levels of the Colosseum in Rome have been reopened to the public after 40 years. | Andrew Medichini/Associated Press

The top levels of the Colosseum in Rome have been reopened to the public after 40 years. | Andrew Medichini/Associated Press

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