Roman amphitheater built at the end of the 1st century BC, the arena of Nîmes take place in the city of the same name, in the heart of the Gard department. Listed as Historic Monuments, it is the only monument of ancient spectacle that can still be admired, and one of the best preserved amphitheatres in the Roman world and France.
The monument is an ellipse 133 meters long and 101 meters wide with a central track of 68 meters by 38 meters. Formerly used to host popular shows, the arena Nîmes were particularly known to unveil gladiator fights. Monumental, they present only three decorative elements: the lactating wolf Romulus and Remus, two fighting gladiators and two busts of bulls.
Transformed into a fortress by the Visigoths in the 5th century, they also served as a fortified village in the Middle Ages, before their restoration in the 18th century. Today, arenas are again used for many shows, such as bullfights, the Great Roman Games in May, or the Nîmes Festival, musical event taking place between July and August. The site can now accommodate nearly 13,000 spectators in a sitting position.
The amphitheater can be visited outside the shows, allowing you to discover its history, thanks to audioguides or illustrated educational panels.
