Anfiteatro Flavio

Pozzuoli

KnownHistory & archaeology

Anfiteatro Flavio, Pozzuoli
Roberto Rive (18?-1889). · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

The story

The third largest Roman amphitheatre, at Pozzuoli: above ground the tiers, but it is underground that it strikes you, in the intact passages from which the beasts rose.

Access

The story

The Flavian Amphitheatre of Pozzuoli, built in the second half of the first century AD, is by capacity the third Roman amphitheatre in Italy, after the Colosseum and the Campano Amphitheatre of Capua. Pozzuoli — the ancient Puteoli, a great commercial harbour — was the only Roman city besides Rome to have as many as two of them.

What to see

The highlight is the underground level: the whole system of corridors, carceres and spaces beneath the arena, among the best preserved in the Roman world, where the stage machinery was prepared and the beasts were kept. Above, the ellipse of the tiers tells of the greatness of imperial Puteoli.

How to get there

  • Cumana
  • Metro

Tips

The Campi Flegrei are an active volcanic area (bradyseism): before going, check the opening status on the official channels of the Archaeological Park, because there may be temporary closures. The ticket is often integrated with the other Flegrean sites, with online purchase recommended. It is easily reached by metro or Cumana.

Frequently asked questions

How large is the Flavian Amphitheatre of Pozzuoli?

It is the third Roman amphitheatre in Italy by capacity, after the Colosseum and the Campano Amphitheatre of Capua.

What is there to see at the Flavian Amphitheatre?

Above all the underground level beneath the arena, among the best preserved in the Roman world.

Is the Flavian Amphitheatre always open?

The Flegrean area is subject to bradyseism and possible temporary closures: always check the opening status on the official channels of the Archaeological Park of the Campi Flegrei.

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