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Amphitheatre (Roman Arena)

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hermion
hermion
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Editor Pick

Blood Sports For All!

Blood Sports For All!

Arriving in Arles by train or bus, one of the first sights you will happen across once through the Porte de la Cavalerie is the Amphitheatre. This squat tyre-shaped arena has two levels of arches.

The arena is open 9am to 6pm in summer. Entrance is €5.50, or covered by one of the two passes in town. The Pass Romain is €9.00 and gives access to Arena, Theatre, Thermes and Alyscamps. The Pass Monuments (€13.50, or €12.00 for concessions) covers the above, and also the Cloisters of St Trophime, and the Museés Réattu and Arlatan.

The history of the amphitheatre is probably the most intersting thing about it. Roman Arles was already a bustling and thriving provincial city with a theatre for entertainment before the arena was added around 90AD. This new amphitheatre hosted free spectacles for up to 20,000 sponsored by local worthies. I have to say though, looking down at the grey tiers, now overlaid with mode modern cantilevered wooden seating, I am amazed that so many would be able to cram into this place. It seemd to me much smaller than other amphitheatres I have seen in Rome, Verona and Tunisia.

The symmetry of the circuit is interrupted by two towers, one of which you can ascend. In the middle ages the amphitheatre was re-imagined as a fortress. When it was cleared out in the early 19th-century this space contained 212 houses and two churches.

While a walk within the vaulted wall spaces is enjoyable with patches of light and shade, the actual arena itself is almost invisible behind its shroud of seating. Protective barriers and a sand-strewn floor obscure the stone. Yet, this is what it would presumably have resembled, in spirit anyway, back 1900 years ago. Doubtless the Romans would approve that even today their amphitheatre is still in use for its original purpose, that of bloodsports. For from 1830 onwards, this arena has been used for bull-fighting.

I was a little disappointed with the amphitheatre I must admit. Its modern reinvention hides the history here. It does not 'speak' of antiquity to the visitor. Maybe it would be more redolent of the Romans were you to visit for a corrida, cramming on to the seating on a sultry summer's evening with a barbarous mob baying for blood, while below gladiator and beast duel for your amusement. Mostly though, I found this thought depressing, as an example of how little we as a supposedly 'civilised' species have progressed in almost two millenia.

From journal Antique Arles

The Arles Roman Amphitheatre

  • December 3, 2004
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Annastasia from Ladysmith, British Columbia
The Arles Roman Amphitheatre

This two-tiered Roman amphitheatre is probably the most prominent tourist attraction in Arles, which thrived in Roman times. It has 120 Romanesque arches dating back to the 1st century BC. The amphitheatre is capable of seating 20,000 spectators and was built to provide entertainment in the form of chariot races and bloody hand-to-hand battles.

Today the crowds come mainly for the bull-fighting. When not in use, though, you can come and explore the labyrinth maze of corridors. As I walked through these dark corridors, I swear I felt and heard the people and animals that used to come through here. Its history felt so alive to me!

It’s open from March to December. Check for the times.

From journal In the Footsteps of Van Gogh

The Amphitheatre

  • June 15, 2002
  • Rated 4 of 5 by davidx from Todmorden, United Kingdom
Apparently there are twenty arenas larger than this to be seen but it certainly gives the impression of being mighty big. it is said that it would seat 26,000 spectators and I believe it. The seating was supported by two rows of arches supported by two different kinds of pillar. Apparently bullfights are now held there.

From journal About in Arles

Editor Pick

Amphitheatre (Roman Arena)

  • June 30, 2001
  • Rated 4 of 5 by adamri from Roseville, California
Amphitheatre (Roman Arena)

This Roman Arena is almost 2000 years old. In spite of this, it is in great shape. In fact, the arena is still used for events -- mainly bullfights. We were at the Colloseum in Rome last year, and this one is in better condition, though they have made some modifications to it for present day use. Its quite incredible that they are able to both preserve and use this historical building. Once inside, you are free to walk almost anywhere. We climbed to the top of one of the towers for a good view of the town and the Rhone River.

This arena is included on the Monument Pass (we bought our pass at the ticket booth here).

From journal Two Days in Arles

Roman Amphitheater

  • October 20, 2000
  • Rated 4 of 5 by hermion from Milton, Massachusetts
Roman Amphitheater

The amphitheater must be one of the most well-preserved ones I have seen (I spent a lot of time in Italy) and makes for letting the imagination roam ... what it may have been like in the olden days. The walking tour following the footsteps of Van Gogh was very exciting not only to an artist but anyone who appreciates his paintings and that of the other impressionists.

From journal Among vanGoghs souvenirs

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