2000-Year-Old Roman Arena Still in Use?! | Arles Amphitheatre Travel Short
[Music] Can you believe this place is almost 2,000 years old? The Arla’s amphitheater is a stunning structure with 120 arches, and two grand levels towering over the city. Built in 90 AD, it once held up to 20,000 spectators, hosting gladiator fights, chariot races, and animal hunts. Admire the Roman arches, simple Doric below, and ornate Corinthian above. Step inside and feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Climb to the top for breathtaking views of red rooftops, yellow stone houses, and the countryside stretching out in all directions. In its early days, the arena was full of excitement with gladiators, often slaves or prisoners, fighting for entertainment. By the fifth century, those games ended. In the Middle Ages, it became a fortress with towers, homes, workshops, and even a chapel. Look closely at the walls. Tiny holes once held beams for two-story homes. Today, the amphitheater is still alive with music, festivals, and coarse camares. A local bull fight where no bull is harmed. Even Van Go painted scenes from here. Try our self-guided audio tour on the Trippy Tour Guide app. No crowds, no time limits. Just travel at your own pace.
Did you know there’s a 2,000-year-old Roman arena still standing tall and in use today? Welcome to the Arles Amphitheatre in southern France! 🇫🇷
Built in 90 AD, this stunning Roman structure once echoed with the cheers of 20,000 spectators, as gladiators fought, chariots raced, and wild animals roared in dramatic battles. Today, it stands not just as a monument, but as a living, breathing part of French culture and heritage.
Step into history:
The amphitheatre features 120 grand arches and two majestic levels—a marvel of Roman engineering. As you walk beneath the simple Doric columns on the lower tier and gaze up at the ornate Corinthian designs above, you’re literally walking in the footsteps of Roman citizens from nearly 2 millennia ago.
Climb to the top and be rewarded with 360-degree views of the picturesque city of Arles: red-tiled rooftops, golden limestone buildings, and endless countryside stretching toward the horizon. This view is straight out of a painting—and in fact, Vincent van Gogh himself captured scenes from here during his time in Arles.
Gladiators to villagers:
In its prime, the Arles Amphitheatre was the heart of Roman entertainment. But after the fall of the Empire, it transformed completely. By the 5th century, the games had ended. During the Middle Ages, the amphitheatre became a fortress! Towers were added, homes and workshops built inside, even a chapel was constructed.
Look closely at the walls—those tiny holes once held wooden beams that supported two-story medieval homes!
Still alive today:
Unlike many ruins, the Arles Amphitheatre isn’t frozen in time—it still hosts live events, including music concerts, festivals, and the Course Camarguaise, a local style of bullfighting that’s unique to the region. Don’t worry—no bulls are harmed in this traditional sport.
Want to experience this without a guide or a rush?
Check out our Trippy Tour Guide app—your personal audio companion through Arles and many other historical destinations. With our self-guided audio tour, you can wander the amphitheatre at your own pace, take in the sounds, the sights, and the stories—no crowds, no time limits, just pure immersive travel.
Download the Trippy Tour Guide app now and let history unfold in your ears while you explore with your eyes.
Perfect for solo travelers, families, and history lovers!
Whether you’re planning a trip to France or just love ancient wonders, the Arles Amphitheatre is a must-see. It’s not just history—it’s a timeless experience. Add it to your bucket list!
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