Anfiteatro romano di Catania
Catania
Catania's Roman Amphitheatre is one of the greatest remains of the imperial age in Sicily. Built in Etna's lava stone, it could hold more than 15,000 spectators. Today you can admire a section of it in the heart of the city: a stop that reveals ancient Catania along the treasure map.
History
The amphitheatre was built in Roman times and enlarged around the middle of the 2nd century AD, when it became one of the largest amphitheatres of Roman Italy. Built largely with Etna's characteristic black lava stone, it was the largest amphitheatre in Sicily, used for gladiatorial games and public shows.
What to see
Today only part of the monument is visible, about ten metres below the level of piazza Stesicoro, while the rest remains buried under modern buildings. You can see part of the arena, the podium wall, the ambulatory and the tiers of seating, with structures in lava stone and brick.
Curiosities
It is estimated that the amphitheatre could hold more than 15,000 spectators, probably serving the whole area around Etna. In the following centuries it was stripped of its materials, which were reused for other buildings in the city. Much of the structure still lies below the present level of the city.
How to visit
The remains are in piazza Stesicoro, in the centre of Catania, and can be seen from the square above. The archaeological area, managed by the Archaeological Park of Catania and the Valle dell'Aci, can be visited with regulated access: check the opening times. Via Etnea is just a few steps away.
