The most beautiful Roman amphitheatres in Italy

Italy is a country rich in history, whose origins are steeped in myths and legends, distant peoples and ancient traditions. Heruli, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Lombards, and Arabs.

Each of these civilisations contributed to making Italy the nation it is today, but the people who certainly had the greatest impact – not only in historical terms but also in the field of architecture and technical knowledge (just think of the aqueducts or the structure of the roads) – were the Romans, who arrived with Octavian in 27 BC.

What remains today of the Roman Empire, however, is not only the tales of the exploits of Caesar or Augustus or of victories in war. Thousands of years later, Italy still has political, urban and cultural structures that make the country an example to be followed.

Every year millions of tourists choose to visit Italy to see the wonders of a time long past that still has a strong presence today. One of these is the Roman amphitheatres.

Let’s discover the most beautiful ones.

The Colosseum

Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum is an open-air theatre. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1950, and is a wonder of the world that has hosted gladiators, emperors and people from all over the globe.

The Trieste Amphitheatre

Located behind Piazza Unità d’Italia, the distinguishing feature of this Roman amphitheatre is that it’s right by the sea, creating a unique and evocative experience.

The Arena of Verona

The Arena of Verona is one of the Roman amphitheatres that is still in use and well maintained. It hosts all kinds of shows, especially in summer. Located in the centre of Verona, it gives the city a charm reminiscent of times gone by.

The amphitheatre of Lucca

Lucca is home to a unique amphitheatre, shaped like a piazza, where the colourful buildings create movement and draw attention to the remains of this architectural jewel.

The amphitheatre of Aosta in a monastery

Aosta is home to a Roman amphitheatre inside a mediaeval monastery. What makes a visit to this historical site unique is the view: the Alps with snow-capped peaks that stand out against the horizon.

World-famous Pompeii

Despite being buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, archaeological excavations have brought to light one of the oldest Roman amphitheatres: that of Pompeii. Another monumental place in Italy that deserves one or more extensive visits.

The amphitheatre of Lecce

The amphitheatre of Lecce was discovered relatively recently, between 1904 and 1938. Unfortunately, only half of the amphitheatre can be visited because the rest has not yet been unearthed, due to the presence of historical buildings of considerable beauty.

The Campanian Amphitheatre, in Santa Maria Capua Vetere

This was the site of the first gladiator school in history. In fact, it is said that in 73 BC Spartacus led the revolt from the Campanian Amphitheatre that shut down the city of Rome for two years. It is a historical site of considerable importance that is well worth a visit, both for its undeniable beauty and for the chance to relive a glorious past.

The Taormina amphitheatre

Another wonder created by the Romans (albeit with Greek influences) is located in one of the most beautiful cities in Sicily: Taormina. What makes this Roman amphitheatre unique is its enchanting location, halfway between the sea and Mount Etna.
(cover photo)

The Cagliari amphitheatre

Considered to be the most important and majestic public building of Roman Sardinia, the Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari is another unmissable stop on a journey of discovery through this land.

Article translated by Jasmina Towers

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