Roman Amphitheatre of Catania

Overview

The Roman Amphitheatre of Catania is a 2nd-century arena partially visible in Piazza Stesicoro, one of the city's busiest squares. With an estimated capacity of 15,000 spectators, it was the largest amphitheatre in Sicily and among the biggest in the Roman Empire.

Highlights

• Exposed section: A dramatic wedge of the cavea has been excavated below street level, revealing lava-stone arches and seating rows.
• Underground corridors: The arena's hypogeum system of tunnels, used for staging animals and gladiators, is partially accessible.
• Urban archaeology: The juxtaposition of ancient ruins with modern apartment buildings is striking.

History

Built in the 2nd century AD, the amphitheatre could seat up to 15,000 spectators for gladiatorial combat and animal hunts. After the fall of Rome, locals quarried its stones for other buildings. Lava flows from Etna and subsequent urbanisation buried most of the structure; only systematic 20th-century excavations revealed its true scale.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: The underground corridors require a guided tour — check times at the Piazza Stesicoro ticket booth.
• Tip 2: Look for the scale model in the adjacent information panels to appreciate the full original extent.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.