Roman amphitheatre of Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Roman amphitheatre in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Italy
The Roman amphitheatre of Santa Maria Capua Vetere is a ruined site in the Campanian town that once formed the second largest arena in the Roman Empire. The elliptical structure measures roughly 170 by 139 meters and still displays parts of the outer walls along with underground chambers.
Emperor Augustus ordered the arena built in the 1st century BC to strengthen Capua's role as an important Roman colony. The structure was later reshaped several times and eventually used as a stone quarry for other buildings during the Middle Ages.
The site takes its name from ancient Capua, which stood here before being abandoned in the 9th century. Visitors today walk through preserved passageways and arches, imagining how gladiators once moved through these corridors toward combat.
The complex opens Tuesday through Sunday, with early morning hours in summer offering cooler conditions for walking around. Sturdy footwear helps when navigating the uneven floors and stairs in the underground area.
Beneath the arena lies a sanctuary dedicated to the Persian god Mithras from the 2nd century, complete with wall paintings and stone benches for rituals. This rare find shows how Roman soldiers and merchants brought eastern cults into Italian towns.
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