ROMANESQUE ANFITEATRO

The Roman amphitheatre of Cagliari is located in the heights of the Stampace district (yes, it climbs!), next to the botanical garden. We prefer to warn you, the place needs financing to become a real archaeological site - important works are planned -, however the visit is recommended. Because in front of you stands the largest amphitheatre with an elliptical plan of the Mediterranean, dug into the rock. Only one third of the structure was built outside the rock.

The amphitheatre of Cagliari dates back to the 1st and 2nd centuries. Its 20 rows of stands, formerly covered with marble, could accommodate up to 10,000 people. Some of them are still visible, as well as the cavea (pit of wild animals). Imagine, the amphitheatre was equipped with particularly innovative machines for the time, allowing to hoist the animals and the gladiators to thearena.

During its history, the amphitheatre suffered many damages, especially during the Pisan domination, from the 11th to the 14th century, when the Pisans used its stone to build the town of Castello. Then, during the Second World War, the amphitheatre was damaged by heavy bombing, in particular in 1943, and its underground galleries were used as an arsenal and anti-aircraft shelters for the inhabitants.

Between 2000 and 2010, this beautiful structure was used in summer for concerts and exceptional cultural events. Let's hope that the amphitheatre of Cagliari will soon be restored to its former glory!