10 Most Beautiful Roman Amphitheaters

This list is about Roman amphitheaters – full circular theaters, and does not include the semi-circular Roman theaters. The Ancient Romans built large amphitheaters all over the Roman empire. About 230 Roman Amphitheaters are found all over the area that was under Roman regime. The amphitheaters were used for different events such as gladiator combats, chariot races, executions and more. It’s amazing that some of them are still used today for concerts, operas, bullfights and more – some 2,000 years after they were built!

 

1. The Colosseum, Rome, Italy 

Without a doubt, the Colosseum is the most famous and important Roman amphitheater. The beautiful monument among the most famous monument in Europe and among the best attractions in Rome. Built of concrete and stone, it was the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire, and is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. It is the largest amphitheater in the world and could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. Built in AD 70-80, it is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site

 

2. Arles Amphitheater, Arles, France 

Founded in 90 AD, this amphitheater in southern France was able to accommodate 20,000 spectators. It was built for chariot races and hand to hand battles. It is still used today for bullfighting and concerts during the summer

 

3. Arena of Nîmes, Nîmes, France 

This Roman amphitheater was built in 70 AD. It was remodeled in 1863 and serves today as a bullring and other events, and has a capacity of over 16,000 spectators

 

4. Verona Arena, Verona, Italy

This very well preserved amphitheater was also built in the first century AD, and is still in use today for opera performances

 

5. Pula Arena, Pula, Croatia 

Built between the years 27 BC to 68 AD, the Pula Arena is among the six largest surviving Roman arenas in the world, and it’s also the best preserved ancient monument in Croatia

 

6. El Djem Amphitheater, Thysdrus, Tunisia 

This beautiful Roman structure was built in the 3rd century AD in the city of Thysdrus – one of the main Roman cities in Berber Africa

 

7. Amphitheater of Pompeii, Pompeii, Italy

The Amphitheater of Pompeii was built around 80 BCE – making it the oldest surviving Roman amphitheater. It is also the earliest Roman amphitheater known to have been built of stone – the second being the Colosseum that was built over a century later. Like most of Pompeii, the amphitheater was buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE

 

8. Tarragona Amphitheater, Tarragona, Spain 

Built in the second century AD, this Roman amphitheater in Catalonia resides the Mediterranean and was able to accommodated 15,000 spectators. It was used for many purposes over the years, including as a prison during the 18th century

 

9. Amphitheater of Aventicum, Avenches, Switzerland

Built in 130 AD and expanded in 165 AD, this amphitheater in the ancient Roman city of Aventicum (near the modern town of Avenches) was used for gladiator and animal combat, staged hunts, as well as political, social and religious purposes. The amphitheater could hold up to 16,000 people

 

10. Durrës Amphitheater, Durrës, Albania

This large Roman amphitheater was built in the 2nd century AD and could once hold 20,000 spectators. It was partially excavated in the 20th century, while the rest remains unearthed till today. Unlike many of the previously mentioned amphitheaters, this structure is only used as a tourists attraction and is not used for public events