The Arles Amphitheater, also known as the Arènes d'Arles (arena, coliseum), is an iconic monument in the city of Arles and a stunning testament to Roman engineering.
Built in 90 AD, it reflects the ingenuity of the Romans with its elaborate architecture and impressive dimensions of over 130 meters in length. With a seating capacity of 21,000 spectators, it served as a venue for games, gladiator combats, and public spectacles, making it a major entertainment hub of the ancient world. Today, it remains vibrant, hosting bullfights, performances, and concerts while offering a fascinating glimpse into Roman life.
This amphitheater has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.
A Roman Amphitheater listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Arles is second only to Rome in the number of Roman remains it preserves. Among the eight monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Arles, the Roman amphitheater is the most visited and recognized. Its circular structure, interior and exterior galleries, horizontal passageways, and alternating staircases showcase ingenious architectural design.
Visiting the Arles Amphitheater
This two-tiered monument is perhaps the city’s most popular tourist attraction, dating back to a time when Arles thrived under Roman rule.
Measuring 136 meters in length and 109 meters in width, its 120 arches date back to the 1st century BC. The amphitheater could accommodate over 20,000 spectators and was designed for events such as chariot races and bloody hand-to-hand combats.
The structure features an oval arena surrounded by terraces, arcades on two levels (60 in total), bleachers, a system of galleries, drainage corridors, and staircases designed for quick crowd exits. Clearly inspired by the Colosseum in Rome (72–80 AD), which is slightly later (90 AD), the Arles Amphitheater was adjusted in size due to its smaller capacity of 25,000 spectators. The architect replaced the Colosseum's dual gallery system with a single annular gallery, adapting to the terrain's constraints. This "temple" of games hosted gladiators and hunting scenes for more than four centuries.
With the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, the amphitheater became a refuge for the population and was transformed into a fortress with the addition of four towers. Over 200 houses and two chapels were built within it, creating a small town. A public square was constructed in the center of the arena, along with two chapels: one at the center of the building and the other at the base of the west tower.
This residential use continued until the expropriation process began in the late 18th century. In 1825, under the initiative of writer Prosper Mérimée, the site began its transformation into a national historical monument. The expropriation of houses built within the amphitheater started in 1826 and was completed by 1830, the year the first event—a bull race celebrating the conquest of Algiers—was held in the arena.
