Arles Amphitheatre

The first position on the list of the best ancient amphitheatres in France is the Arles Amphitheatre. It was constructed in 90 AD and is located in the French town of Arles in the Provence area.

At the height of the Roman empire, Arles was a prosperous metropolis. Over 20,000 honorable Roman citizens could sit in this impressive amphitheater, which the town constructed in the year 90 AD. The building, which was modeled after the famous Coliseum in Rome, features more than 120 arches, a network of galleries and stairways, and two levels of seating. Gladiatorial fights, chariot racing, and theatrical plays were just a few of the entertainment options offered by the amphitheater for more than four centuries.

The oval-shaped Amphitheatre has terraces, 60 arcades on two levels, bleachers, a network of galleries, and a drainage system all around it. The amphitheatre was converted into a stronghold with four towers in the fifth century, when the Western Empire was overthrown. The building encompassed more than 200 homes and served as a true town with a working public square and two chapels placed in the middle of the arena. It remained a residential location until the late 18th century, but thanks to the initiative of author Prosper Merimee, it was transformed into a national historical monument starting in 1825.

Location: Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France