Built in the first century A.D., the Arles Amphitheater helped to make the city one of the largest Roman metropolises in Gaul. The arenas have survived for more than two millennia in an excellent state of preservation, resisting wars, epidemics, and the temptation of men to use them as stone quarries. As one of the best-preserved ancient amphitheaters in Europe, they can be visited all year round and continue to host cultural and sporting events, perpetuating their original function.
A place of history and performances
Arles Amphitheater
Arles, ancient city
Arles has a rich historical heritage; the town has even been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city that was nicknamed the Little Rome of the Gauls has one of the largest ancient French monumental complexes. Among these are of course the arenas, also known as the amphitheater, which have made the city famous throughout the world, but also the Baths of Constantine, the Roman Theater, the cloister of St. Trophime, the Alyscamps (a necropolis dating from Roman times) and the cryptoporticus of the forum.
Incredibly well-preserved arenas
The amphitheater of Arles was created following the urbanization of the city of Arles ordered by Tiberius Caesar Augustus during a long period of prosperity. The engineers in charge of the construction were inspired by the Colosseum in Rome, which had just been completed, to imagine the arenas. They were larger than those of Nîmes, which had been built shortly afterwards, and better preserved. The colossal monument, measuring 136 meters long by 107 meters wide and 21 meters high, is erected on the northern flank of L’Hauture, the hill of Arles. It was inaugurated in 80 AD.
This elliptical-shaped Roman amphitheater has 60 semicircular arches. Those on the first floor are in Doric style, that is to say, bare, while those on the second floor are in Corinthian style and have capitals decorated with acanthus leaves. Under the sand-covered wooden floor that formed the arena, an incredible system of trapdoors and goods elevators were set up to change the scenery of the arena and create scenic effects.
The bleachers of the amphitheater could accommodate up to 20,000 people who were set up in the 33 rows according to their social affiliation. Thanks to a network of doors, galleries and stairs, the flow of spectators remained organized. The population, including patricians and plebeians, came to watch many fights, hunts, and shows to entertain themselves. These were sometimes ordained to celebrate a victory or the birth of an heir until 550 AD.
In the Middle Ages, the monument served as a home and refuge for the people during troubled times. The ancient amphitheater was transformed into a real walled and fortified city with 212 houses, streets, squares and even churches. The walls of the amphitheater were used as defensive ramparts during the sieges led by the barbarians. The defense of this city was reinforced by the construction of four towers over the entrances to the arena. The expropriation of the inhabitants began in the 18th century. However, it was not until the 19th century that the arenas were completely cleared.
In 1830, in order to celebrate the capture of Algiers, a bullfighting show was given. The amphitheater then took its current name of Arena. In 1840, the last houses attached to the monument were destroyed. The same year, thanks to Prosper Mérimée, the arenas were classified as Historical Monuments, then in 1841, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Two millennia later, the Roman amphitheater is still standing, even if the attic that crowned the two floors has disappeared. To the southwest, the staircase overlooking the city bears witness to the amphitheater’s former main entrance. The monument has recently undergone major restoration work. Completed in 2013, the work took 10 years and cost 25 million euros. It is the largest Roman monument in France.
The soul of Arles in the heart of the old stones
The amphitheater of Arles was, in ancient times, a true gametemple. Sitting in the bleachers, you can almost hear the clamor of the crowd that once encouraged the gladiators, to the sound of swords clashing. The place is imbued with a special atmosphere. The old stones invite you to travel and, at the bend of a dark and austere corridor, you come out onto bleachers bathed in light. Climbing up to the top of the arena, you dominate Arles, and the roofs of the city extend at your feet, and in the distance, the farmhouses, and fields of the Camargue can be seen.
The monument is imbued with a kind of serenity, as if the visitor is cut off from the outside world during their visit.
A place for shows and performances
Today, the bleachers of the Arles Amphitheater have regained their original function. The monument is used for bullfighting performances. During the ferias, the bullfights and Camargue races honor the regional culture. The “cocarde d’or” (golden cockade), which takes place every year in Arles, is an important race that counts towards the championship of the “raseteurs”: the Trophée des As.
During the summer, spectators can experience a trip back in time to the time of the Romans thanks to reconstructions of gladiatorial fights that are organized by teams of professional entertainers.
Concerts and shows are also given in the old amphitheater of Arles.
Prepare your visit
The Arles Amphitheater can be visited all year round. The schedule can vary according to the seasons and is available on the official website of the monument. There is also a calendar of events that take place throughout the year in the amphitheater.
Schedule and opening days:
- March, April, and October: from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- From May to September: from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- From November to February: from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The arenas are closed on January 1, November 1, and December 25.
Website: https://www.arenes-arles.com/
Selection of monuments in Bouches-du-Rhône :
