Roman Amphitheatre, Venosa, Italy

Built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, The Roman Amphitheatre of Venosa was deprived of many works and ornaments, which are currently located in other monuments in Venosa (many were used to erect the adjacent incomplete church). The first excavation was commissioned in the 19th century, where a series of bronzes, coins, and terracottas were found, but due to neglect, the ruins were buried again. Only in 1935 was everything brought back to light.

The Roman Amphitheater has an elliptical shape, with three levels, partly built above ground and partly created by terracing the ground on which it stands. The major axis measures 70 meters, while the minor axis is 40 meters. Based on these measurements, it is believed that this structure could accommodate approximately ten thousand spectators in its time. The lowest level is that of the arena, where the terrace of the 'podium' for important figures is located. There are two additional levels, supported by three concentric ambulatories.

User Reviews

Serena Devillanova (2 years ago)
The star alone is aimed at the authorities of duty who are evidently not doing their job to preserve and enhance this treasure. Truly a disappointing miss! The day Italy understands that blocking, banning means losing, then it will be worthy of boasting its history.

Roberto Castellani (2 years ago)
Naturally the star refers to how it is kept, certainly not to its historical and cultural importance which will be lost forever if someone does not intervene by recovering the site currently in a state of semi-abandonment.

Paolo Fava (4 years ago)
Abandoned that cannot be visited, unfortunately it is closed and without any description and sign.

Mirko Ferrarese (5 years ago)
In a state of abandonment it is not possible to visit it. Now crumbling structures can be seen in the distance. It is not possible to approach as there is a gate and a fence.

Nicola Ditommaso (8 years ago)

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Andy Hay

Historic Site of the week

Argos Theater

The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.

The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.

Roman Amphitheatre

Address

Details

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Argos Theater