Beschreibung

ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE OF ANCONA
The Roman Amphitheatre of Ancona is the place to immerse yourself in the layered
history of the city — from Hellenistic Ancona to the prison of Santa Palazia, which
was in use until the 1970s, with its walkway overlooking the sea. This Roman-era
entertainment building was constructed between Guasco Hill and Cappuccini Hill
and could host around 8,000 spectators across twenty tiers of seating. Alongside
Trajan’s Arch, it is the most important Roman monument in Ancona. The long
life of this area, at the heart of the ancient city, began well before the Roman
amphitheatre itself, with the great Hellenistic road that led up to the acropolis and
the Temple of Venus, and with the Roman baths. Its story continued even after
the fall of the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, new buildings incorporated
Roman structures; from the 13th century, the Convent of San Bartolomeo was built
over the amphitheatre, later expanded by the nuns of Santa Palazia, then it was
converted into a prison in the 19th century. The prison remained in use until the
1972 earthquake. Today, the Amphitheatre, at the center of a new enhancement
project by the Ministry of Culture, has re-emerged due to demolitions caused by
war and earthquake events.

Tour organized by the National
Archaeological Museum staff
reservation required at the phone number
+39 071 202602