pozzuoli e cumaFlavian Amphitheatre type:archaeological interest:
The Roman Amphitheatre in Pozzuoli, begun under the Emperor Nerone and finished under Vespasiano in 79 a. C. (for this reason it is also called Neron-Flavian amphitheatre), is the third amphitheatre of the Roman world for its size, after those ones of Colosseo and Capua. It was realized because of the increasing of population that it was not satisfied of the little amphitheatre not far from there. The Flavian amphitheatre is strategically placed among the ways coming from Naples, Capua and Cuma. It presents three overlapping structures of arcs and a pit that could host 40.000 spectators. This amphitheatre was also a meeting point for the social life of the city, in fact under the passageway there were also places for the cult and seats of some corporations. In this amphitheatre took place the capital executions of Christian people. A legend tells that Saint Gennaro and his companions were exposed to wild animals, but the lions were miraculously domesticated, so the martyrs were led to the Solfatara to be beheaded. In memory of Saint Gennaro was built a little church that was then destroyed by the excavation wanted by king Ferdinand IV in the 19th century. The king ordered that the marbles discovered had to be used to adorn the royal palace of Caserta. The amphitheatre’s preservation has been granted for many years by the presence of volcanic materials that have covered and preserved it during the time.
Via Terracciano - Pozzuoli
Ph. 081.5266007; 848.800288
From Wednesday to Monday 9.00/sunset; closed on Tuesday
Full ticket: € 4,00; EU citizens 18/25 years old: € 2,00;
for EU citizens under 18 or over 65 years old: free
reduced with campania>artecard
