Cahors amphitheatre, Roman amphitheatre in Cahors, France

The Cahors amphitheatre is a Roman structure from the 1st century located at a main crossroads in the city center. The oval arena measures about 120 by 90 meters and features limestone walls reinforced with sandstone blocks at the corners.

The amphitheatre was built during the Flavian era in the 1st century when the region was under Roman rule. It operated as a public venue for several centuries before being abandoned around the 4th century.

The site's name survives only through archaeology: the amphitheatre was forgotten until 2003, when digging for an underground car park exposed 50 m of its outer wall. Visitors can see the small limestone blocks of the walls, with corner chains of sandstone from the Figeac area, 70 km away. Excavations also found lime kilns and forges in front of the monument, used during its construction.

The site at Allees Fenelon in the city center is easy to reach on foot from other attractions. Visitors can see excavated walls and foundations, with an underground crypt displaying objects found during digs and explaining how the structure worked.

Unlike most Roman amphitheatres built on the outskirts, this one was constructed within the ancient city itself. This unusual placement reveals how important public entertainment was to the city's layout and to its residents.