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Historic site · Arles, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Amphithéâtre d'Arles
The Roman arena of Arles, built around the year 90 for about 25,000 spectators, with two rows of arcades and medieval towers on top. It still hosts the course camarguaise and other events.
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 Amphithéâtre d'Arles
The Amphithéâtre d'Arles, known as the Arènes, was built around the 80s–90s AD, in the time of Emperor Domitian. It held about 25,000 people, who watched gladiator fights and animal hunts. It is the most important monument remaining from the Roman city.
The building is oval, with two tiers of 60 superimposed arcades. The upper tier, the attic, has disappeared. In the Middle Ages the arena became a fortress: four defensive towers were added and, inside it, more than 200 houses and two chapels. The houses were demolished in the 19th century, but three towers still stand.
The visit includes the galleries, the seating tiers and one of the towers, from which you can see the centre’s roofs, the Ródano and the ancient theatre. The monument is part of the Arles ensemble listed by UNESCO in 1981.
The arena is still used for events. In season it hosts the course camarguaise, in which razeteurs try to remove ornaments fixed to the bull’s horns, and also bullfights on feria dates. On event days the visiting hours change.
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
From 45 minutes to 1 hour. With the Théâtre antique, a few steps away, about 2 hours.
Best time
In the morning, before the heat and the tour groups. On event days the visit may be shortened or closed. Check opening hours before you go.
How to get there
In the center, about a 10-minute walk from the Gare d'Arles, going down via the porte de la Cavalerie.
Tip
Buy the combined ticket for the arena and the Théâtre antique, or a monuments pass. Climb the tower for the best view. Check the schedule: attending a course camarguaise showcases a local tradition.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Amphithéâtre d'Arles
Is the arena still in use?
Yes. It hosts course camarguaise, bullfights during feria events, shows and performances. On those days the tourist visit may be changed or suspended.
What is the course camarguaise?
It is a regional tradition in which young men dressed in white, the razeteurs, try to remove ornaments attached to the bulls' horns. The bull is not killed.
Is the combined ticket with the theatre worth it?
Yes, they are a few steps apart. To also see the cloister, the baths and the underground passages, the city's passes usually offer better value. Check before buying.