Roman amphitheatre of Saintes

The Roman amphitheatre of Saintes is an ancient arena built into a natural valley to accommodate thousands of spectators. The structure features two main entrances designed to manage the flow of crowds during events and performances.

The amphitheatre was built in the middle of the 1st century when the city served as a major Roman settlement. It endured through the Roman period and remained standing through the centuries that followed.

The amphitheatre served as the social hub where local residents gathered for public entertainment and athletic contests. It reveals how central spectacles were to Roman life and community identity.

The site sits on a slope and requires walking on uneven ground with several steps and inclines. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore both the lower arena level and the upper seating areas.

The structure cleverly used the natural valley shape to seat around 15000 spectators without needing to build massive support walls. This resourceful approach demonstrates how Roman builders worked with the landscape rather than against it.

Location: Saintes

Capacity: 15000

Fee: Yes

Part of: Mediolanum Santonum

Address: 20 Rue Lacurie, 17100 Saintes, France

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 13:30-17:30

Phone: +33546977385

Website: https://ville-saintes.fr/index.php?id=216

GPS coordinates: 45.74581,-0.64399

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:42