Roman Amphitheatre in Arles visitor guide

Visit Roman Amphitheatre in Arles, France

The amphitheatre in Arles - known as the Arènes d'Arles - is the most impressive Roman monument of several in this Provençal town, and among the most impressive amphitheaters in France.

Explore the Roman Amphitheatre in Arles

France This Way review: the amphitheatre in Arles is an imposing monument in the heart of the old city and a visit is interesting as you explore the town

The arena was commanded by the Emperor Domitian and built around 80-90 BC. The arena was based on the colosseum in Rome, that at that time had recently been completed.

In common with other structures of this type, the arena had two levels, with a network of stairs and tunnels allowing access to all areas. An ellipse of seating inside the walls surrounded the large stage where spectacles took place.

The arena could hold 25000 spectators, on seats covering a length of 136 metres, and remained in active use until the 6th century.

Soon after it was no longer used as an amphitheatre, the structure began to be used as a source of rock for building materials by those living nearby, and the original rows of seats and the upper levels of the amphitheatre were largely removed for this purpose.

In the Middle Ages the stone walls acted as a defensive structure, with people living inside the structure, and the walls being reinforced with towers. Three of these four towers can still be seen today. The space included a public square and a chapel, and was quite an independent small town.

The first efforts to reclaim the site were in the 17th century, and from the 18th century new projects for building in the amphitheatre were no longer authorised. Efforts continued to clear the site, mostly in the 19th century after the revolution.

As a result of all this disruption the arena was by this stage in a poor state, with the seating area (the gradins) largely absent and the upper level of the arena also largely removed except for the exterior walls.

You might think that with all this damage there would remain little to see in the amphitheatre in Arles, but during your visit you can see the main exterior walls and arches, the towers added later, and a good part of the internal passageways that allowed access to the lower levels.

The structure has been extensively renovated over the last 20 years, and you can also see attractive views across the town and river from the upper level, so a visit is still interesting and recommended.

The amphitheatre is also now back in use as a centre for performances, such as music concerts and bullfighting, as well as reenactments of Roman gladiator battles, mainly during the summer months.

Attractions nearby

The town of Arles has many Roman monuments, a charming old town centre, a Van Gogh centre, and a recent addition - the LUMA Arts Centre - all of which are interesting to visit - see the guide to Arles for more information.

The amphitheatre in Nimes, not far from Arles, is slightly smaller but in a better state of repair, and can also be visited.

See more Ancient Monuments in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Bouches-du-Rhone guide and the Provence guide.

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The French version of this page is at Roman Amphitheatre in Arles (Francais)