For almost two thousand years an imposing Roman amphitheatre has dominated the French city of Nîmes.

Prior to the Romans the Celts established a settlement in Nîmes. During the rule of Julius Caesar and Emperor Augustus the city grew in importance. The Arena was once the setting for gladiatorial battles but today it is matadors who fascinate their audiences during the Whitsuntide Féria.

The amphitheatre was built in around 70 A.D. Nîmes, or “Nemausus” as the Romans named their colony, developed into an important centre. In the 2nd century A.D. emperors Hadrian and Antonius Pius ordered the construction of two further splendid buildings, thus the town was enriched by fine architecture.

In contrast to the famous Roman Arena at Arles the Nîmes replica of the Colosseum still contains some well-preserved sections of the highest floor, the Attika.

Today the beautiful view from the most highly elevated seats of the Amphitheatre extends across the rooftops of the picturesque old town of Nîmes and its two thousand years of glorious history.