Spoletium amphitheatre, Roman amphitheatre ruins in Spoleto, Italy
The Spoletium amphitheatre is a Roman structure measuring about 115 by 85 meters (377 by 279 feet) with ten open arches still visible from its ambulatory structure along Via dell'Anfiteatro street. The remains are now integrated into modern buildings, though portions can be observed from Caserma Minervio and other nearby locations.
It was built around 10 AD beyond the Roman city walls as a place for public entertainment and gladiator games. Over the centuries it was repurposed by different rulers, notably transformed into a Gothic fortress by Totila around 545 AD.
The church of San Gregorio Minore was built here in the 12th century, showing how religious buildings came to overlay the ancient structure. You can see this layering of old and new in the walls and layout of the site today.
You can view the ruins from several points around the city, with the best views from Caserma Minervio area which offers good perspectives on the structure. It is helpful to check local guides or information before visiting, as access can vary depending on ongoing restoration work.
When the Rocca Albornoziana fortress was built in the 14th century, stones from the amphitheatre were reused in its construction, showing how the ancient structure became a material source. This was common practice in medieval cities where older buildings were dismantled to build new ones.
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