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Archaeological site · Trier, Renânia-Palatinado
Amphitheater Trier
2nd-century Roman amphitheatre, with capacity for about 20,000 people, used for gladiator fights and animal spectacles. The cellar beneath the arena can be visited.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Amphitheater Trier
The Trier amphitheatre was built in the 2nd century, probably under Emperor Antoninus Pius, and refurbished around the year 293. The arena, roughly 120 by 145 meters including the stands, held around 20,000 spectators.
Gladiator fights and animal spectacles took place there, which were the public entertainment of the Roman world. The stands were partially cut into the hillside, which explains the shape of the complex, partly sunken into the terrain.
Beneath the arena is a cellar, added after construction, where the animals and the spectacle equipment were kept. Excavations found wood there and about 1,200 coins. Descending to the cellar is the most striking part of the visit.
Today the amphitheatre hosts reenactments of gladiator fights and open-air performances. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage in Trier.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, especially in summer, because the arena is open and has little shade. Check whether a reenactment is scheduled that day.
How to get there
It's about a 10-minute walk from the Kaiserthermen and 15–20 minutes from the Hauptmarkt, going up Olewiger Straße.
Tip
Visit it right after the Kaiserthermen, which lie on the way. Wear sturdy footwear to descend to the cellar.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Amphitheater Trier
How many people did the amphitheatre in Trier hold?
About 20,000 spectators.
Can you go down under the arena?
Yes. The area beneath the arena, where animals and equipment were kept, is part of the visit.
Is the amphitheatre far from the center?
It's about a 15–20 minute walk from the Hauptmarkt and 10 minutes from the Kaiserthermen.