Flavian Amphitheatre

The Flavian Amphitheatre (Amphitheatre Flavium) in Pozzuoli, Naples, was constructed during the reign of the Emperor Vespasian, probably in around 70AD, and is the third-largest Roman amphitheatre in Italy.

History of Flavian Amphitheatre

Vespasian, who was the first Flavian dynasty emperor, built this vast amphitheatre – the third largest in Ancient Rome after those of Rome and Capua – in Pozzuoli, as it was located at an important crossroad. The Flavian Amphitheatre would have been able to house 50,000 spectators.

Later damaged by ash and rubble from the eruption of the Solfatara volcano, Pozzuoli’s Flavian Amphitheatre lay abandoned and was used as a quarry for its marble. Nevertheless, when it was excavated in the nineteenth century, archaeologists found the Flavian Amphitheatre in a very good state of preservation, with many of its walls and floors intact.

Flavian Amphitheatre Today

Today, the Flavian Amphitheatre operates as a popular destination for those who visit the (now dormant) Solfatara volcano and the local area.

One of the key highlights of a trip to the Flavian Amphitheatre is being able to explore the underbelly of this once-thriving stadium and wander through the rooms and chambers below the arena itself. It is even possible to see the quarters in which the gladiators themselves would have prepared for their contests. This amazing set of underground corridors and passageways remains in an excellent state of preservation and gives a genuine glimpse into the amphitheatre’s past.

Getting to Flavian Amphitheatre

From the centre of Naples, the Amphitheatre is reachable in around 30 minutes by car via the A56. Equally, the closest Metro stop is Pozzuoli Solfatara, from where the site is a 5 minute walk.