While the city of Rome is the best place to see Roman ruins, they can be found throughout most of Italy. In fact, it is difficult to visit Italy and not stumble upon Roman ruins and artifacts. Amphitheatres, large ring-shaped arenas used for spectator sports, including gladiatorial and wild animal fights, were once central to all major cities of the Roman Empire. Many remain today, in ruins or in relatively pristine condition, both in Rome and throughout Italy. Some are still used for concerts and plays, and are sometimes mocked at gladiatorial battles.
These are some of the best Roman arenas to visit in Italy.
Colosseum in Rome
The Colosseum in Rome is one of the most visited sites in Italy and the largest Roman arena in the world. Built by Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 82 AD, it could hold up to 55,000 people and was most commonly used for gladiatorial and wild animal fights. Ticket lines can be very long, so be sure to buy a ticket or pass in advance. Also in Rome, you can see remains of the Castrense Amphitheater, which is now part of the Aurelian walls.
Verona Arena
The Roman Arena in Verona is the third largest in Italy, once with a capacity of 25,000 spectators, and today it is the largest opera house in the world with a capacity of 14,000. Since 1913, the stadium has been the setting for prestigious open-air opera performances and is also used for plays and concerts. You can see the schedule in Verona Arena. The Arena is located at one end of the historic center of Verona, famous for being the city of Romeo and Juliet, with many interesting things to see.
Pompeii amphitheater
Some historians believe that the Pompeii amphitheater, which dates back to 70 BC. C., it was the first arena built by the Romans. At least 20,000 spectators could fit in the amphitheater, roughly the total population of Pompeii in those days. Pompeii is probably the most famous archaeological site in Italy and one of the most visited places in Italy. Once a thriving Roman city, it was buried by a volcanic eruption in 79AD. Pompeii is situated between Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
Capua amphitheater
The Roman amphitheater near Capua is the second largest in the world, originally 170 meters across the largest axis and 46 meters high with four levels. It is believed that it was built in the 1st century BC. C., which would make it the oldest known Roman arena, however, some historians believe that it was built later. Inside the amphitheater, visitors can see the underground passages. Near the site there are Roman baths and tombs. During Roman days, Capua was famous for its gladiator school and next to the amphitheater is the Gladiator Museum. Capua is about 40 kilometers north of Naples, along the Via Appia, the main ancient Roman road.
Flavian Amphitheater in Pozzuoli
The amphitheater at Pozzuoli is the third largest of the Roman arenas in Italy, once with over 20,000 spectators. It was partially buried by a volcanic eruption. Although not much remains of the seating area remain, the underground areas are well preserved, including the cages where the animals were kept and the mechanisms for raising them to the sand. Pozzouli is about 20 kilometers west of Naples. Visitors can also see other archaeological sites in the area and the Solfatara volcanic crater on the Flegrean Fields.
Ostia Antica
The ancient Roman port of Ostia Antica can easily be visited as a day trip from Rome. Visitors can stroll through the old streets, shops and houses of this huge complex. The amphitheater, built in 12BC, has a small stage and once had about 3,500 spectators.
Alba Fucens, Abruzzo
The Roman site of Alba Fucens is located in a picturesque setting halfway between Rome and the Adriatic Sea, in the central Abruzzo region of Italy. Mountains rise in the distance behind the amphitheater and the site is rarely crowded, making it an enjoyable visit. Visitors can explore the underground tunnels of the sand or sit in one of the stone seats and enjoy the scenery.
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Fiesole Arena, about Florence
The archaeological park of Fiesole has an amphitheater from the 1st century BC. C. which is used for outdoor performances and concerts in summer. The archaeological area includes Roman, Longobard and Etruscan ruins. Fiesole is located in the hills above Florence and can be reached by bus from the city.
Roman amphitheater in Syracuse, Sicily
The Sicilian city of Syracuse has a Roman amphitheater and a Greek theater, as well as archaeological sites from both civilizations. There is a square hole in the center of the arena, which some say was used to hold crocodiles that fed on the carcasses, although it could have been for machinery used to lift animals onto the arena.
Piazza dell ‘Anfiteatro, Lucca
While Lucca’s amphitheater no longer exists, its original form can still be seen from the center of the Piazza dell ‘Anfiteatro, or Amphitheater Square, built on the site of the Roman amphitheater. The buildings were built around the arena in the Middle Ages, but traces of the Roman building can still be seen on the walls and the ‘square’ retains the oval shape. The Piazza Amphitheater is one of the main landmarks in Lucca, a popular Tuscan walled city.
