Arles Amphitheatre

The Arles Amphitheatre, constructed between 80 AD and the early 2nd century, sits on a hill at the heart of the Provençal city of Arles and ranks among the best-preserved Roman arenas in Europe. At its height it held around 25,000 spectators across three tiers of 60 arches each — larger than many Italian counterparts. During the Middle Ages the structure was repurposed as a fortified village, sheltering over 200 houses and two churches within its ancient walls before systematic excavation began in the 18th century. Today the arena hosts annual bullfights in both Provençal and Spanish tradition alongside summer concerts, still drawing crowds of up to 12,000. The upper arcades offer an open panorama across the rooftops of Arles.