The Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari is the most important public building of Roman Sardinia, partially carved into the rock of Buoncammino hill. Built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, it could hold up to 10,000 spectators who watched gladiatorial combats and animal hunts. Today it can be visited along a route that allows you to admire the cavea and the underground chambers.
- Capacity and History: up to 10,000 spectators, with seating divided by social class.
- Visiting Hours: daily 10 AM–5 PM (winter) or 10 AM–1 PM and 3 PM–7 PM (summer).
- Tickets: full €3, reduced €2, cumulative €8 for multiple monuments.
- Curiosities: used as a quarry for centuries, partially reopened after restorations.
Events nearby
The Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari dates back to the 2nd century AD and could hold 10,000 spectators. Today it can be visited with a €3 ticket: hours, prices and curiosities.
- http://www.anfiteatroromano.it/
- Via Aurelio Nicolodi, Cagliari (CA)
- Open in Google Maps
- View on Google Images Anfiteatro Romano a Cagliari
Good to know
Introduction
The Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari is a place that takes your breath away. You walk among the steps carved into the rock and you can almost hear the sound of gladiators. It is half natural, half built: a miracle of ancient engineering that makes you reflect on how powerful Rome was. Today, with a ticket for just 3€, you can explore this archaeological gem in the heart of Casteddu. It’s not just a monument, it’s an experience that stays with you.
Historical Notes
Built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, the amphitheatre was the center of entertainment in Roman Carales. It hosted venationes (hunts), executions, and munera (gladiator fights). With the rise of Christianity, Emperor Valentinian III banned the games in 438 AD, and the structure fell into ruin. For centuries, Byzantines and Pisans used it as a stone quarry. It was brought to light in the 19th century by Canon Giovanni Spano, who directed the excavations. Since 2017, after restoration, it has been open to the public again.
Historical Timeline
- 1st-2nd century AD – Construction of the amphitheatre
- 438 AD – Prohibition of gladiator games
- Middle Ages – Used as a quarry for materials
- 1866-1868 – Excavations by Giovanni Spano
- 2000-2011 – Iron cover for concerts
- 2017 – Partial reopening to the public
Architecture Carved in Rock
The uniqueness of the Roman Amphitheater lies in being largely carved into the rocky bank of Colle di Buon Cammino. The tiers, arena, and underground corridors (ambulacra) are cut into living stone, while the southern facade, now lost, was made of white limestone and exceeded 20 meters. The tiers are divided into three orders: ima, media, and summa cavea, to separate senators, knights, plebeians, and slaves. Beneath the arena, the crypts with cages for wild animals (claustra) and a 95-meter-long corridor leading to a cistern.
Games of the Arena
The arena was the stage for bloody spectacles: in the mornings, venationes with wild beasts imported from Africa; at noon, executions; in the evenings, gladiator fights (munera). Gladiators were often slaves or prisoners, but could become stars. Women and slaves watched from the top covered tiers, while the powerful sat on the podium. Today, walking through the arena, it’s hard to imagine the blood, but the history is tangible: the beast cells and service rooms remain.
Why Visit
First: it’s a one-of-a-kind in Sardinia, the only Roman amphitheater carved into rock, with a history that envelops you. Second: it costs very little – €3 for a full ticket, or €8 for a combo that includes 5 other monuments (valid for 7 days). Third: it’s in the center of Cagliari, reachable on foot, and the visit is short but intense. Perfect for a cultural break between a city stroll and a gelato.
When to Go
The best time? Early morning, right when it opens at 10:00 AM, when the raking light illuminates the steps and there’s no crowd. In summer, avoid the midday heat and aim for late afternoon (3:00-7:00 PM). Spring and fall offer mild weather and warm colors on the stone. If you go in winter, the continuous hours (10-5) give you all the time to explore without rush.
Nearby
Just a stone’s throw away is the Cagliari Botanical Garden, a green oasis with rare plants and Roman ruins (the Villa of Tigellio). Or, head up to the Citadel of Museums, home to the National Archaeological Museum and the Wax Museum. If you prefer a spiritual immersion, visit the Capuchin Convent, where the mummified body of Saint Ignatius of Laconi is preserved. All are within walking distance, for a morning or afternoon rich in history.
Itineraries nearby
💡 Did You Know…?
A curious anecdote: on September 22, 2006, the amphitheatre hosted the last concert of Andrea Parodi, the historic singer of Tazenda, who died shortly after. Furthermore, hidden beneath the arena is a 95-meter-long cistern, reachable through a corridor carved into the rock. Today the amphitheatre is partially open to visitors, but in the past a metal and wooden roof hosted summer concerts, later removed to preserve the site.