Birten amphitheatre

Birten amphitheatre is a Roman open-air theatre with a circular design and tiered seating sections in Xanten, Germany. The structure allowed spectators to watch performances from multiple viewing angles, with the architecture remaining solid and recognizable today.

The structure was part of Castra Vetera, a Roman military camp founded in the 1st century AD that served as an entertainment hub. When the camp declined, the amphitheatre fell out of use, though its physical remains survived over the centuries.

The amphitheatre still hosts theatre performances and cultural events today, keeping its original purpose as a gathering place alive. Visitors can see how people gather here much as they did nearly 2000 years ago.

The site is open to visitors and features informational displays explaining Roman architecture and construction techniques. Guided tours are available to deepen your understanding and provide historical context about the structure.

The amphitheatre has remarkable acoustics that still allow spectators to hear clearly from every seat today. This natural sound quality is one of the overlooked details that visitors can directly experience during live events.

Location: Xanten

Part of: Castra Vetera

GPS coordinates: 51.63755,6.47305

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:02