Arles Arenas

The arena of Arles, the Roman amphitheatre

The Arles audio-guided tour leads you to the magnificent arena, the most visited monument in the city. This Roman amphitheatre, built around AD 80, takes advantage of the Hauture hill and earns Arles the nickname of the little Rome of Gaul.

A colossus built after the Colosseum

Around AD 80, when the Colosseum of Rome has just been completed, Roman engineers build their own colossus in Arles. A little smaller than the one in Rome, the amphitheatre could nonetheless hold up to twenty-one thousand spectators, which was considerable for the time. It testifies to the prosperity of Arelate, ancient Arles.

What there is to see

The amphitheatre, listed as World Heritage, impresses with its two storeys of arcades and its medieval towers, added when it was turned into a fortress in the Middle Ages. Even today, it hosts performances and bull events, carrying on its role as a gathering place. The view from its tiers extends over the whole city.

Practical information

The arena of Arles is in the heart of the city, on the Hauture hill. It can be visited according to its own schedule; admission is charged or included in the city pass. Opening times may vary with the season and scheduled events.

When was the arena built?

The amphitheatre was built around AD 80, shortly after the completion of the Colosseum of Rome. It could hold up to twenty-one thousand spectators.

Why does the arena have towers?

The medieval towers were added when the amphitheatre was turned into a fortress in the Middle Ages. They are now part of its characteristic silhouette.