The Legacy of Gladiators: TUI Musement reveals 5 of the World’s Most Popular Amphitheatres

November 8, 2024

Tours & Activities

Exclusive Analysis: TUI Musement’s reservation data highlights five architectural marvels, historically renowned for hosting epic battles
Cultural Tourism and Heritage: Iconic sites in Italy, France, Croatia, and Tunisia stand as symbols of history and continue to captivate travelers
Bonus Highlight: While not in the top 5, the Capua Amphitheatre gets a special mention as the battleground of the world’s most renowned gladiator

Known for hosting gladiator fights, grand spectacles, and epic public gatherings during the height of the Roman Empire, amphitheatres have endured through the centuries as must-visit attractions for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and culturally curious travelers alike.

For those eager to experience the thrill of gladiatorial grandeur firsthand, TUI Musement, a leader in tours and activities, has unveiled a list of the world’s most celebrated Roman amphitheatres*, featuring timeless architectural marvels across Italy, Croatia, France, and Tunisia.

1. The Colosseum, Italy: The Flavian Amphitheater, hailed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, was the ultimate battleground where gladiators clashed, hunters pursued exotic beasts, and naval skirmishes filled the arena. A visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill is the utlimate way to capture the full might and majesty of Rome’s golden age.

Suggested Experience: Colosseum & Roman Forum small-group tour with local guide

2. Pompeii Amphitheatre, Italy: As the oldest surviving Roman amphitheatre, Pompeii’s arena offers a vivid snapshot of ancient city life before the ash of Mount Vesuvius enshrined it in 79 AD. Beyond the amphitheatre, visitors can explore an ancient theater, vibrant frescoed villas, and Roman baths, each telling tales of life before the eruption.

Suggested Experience: Private and personalised tour of Pompeii with local guide

3. El Jem Amphitheater, Tunisia: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this North African marvel seated over 30,000 spectators and is famed for its vast scale and remarkably intact corridors. Its underground tunnels and sweeping arena are a must-see for anyone wanting to stand where ancient warriors once battled.

Suggested Experience: Kairouan Holy City and El Jem Tour

4. Pula Arena, Croatia: With a history as storied as Rome’s Colosseum, Pula Arena is Croatia’s best-preserved Roman structure. Gladiators here once fought for glory, and today’s visitors can explore exhibits on Istria’s ancient oil and wine production while delving into the arena’s passageways.

Suggested Experience: Roman heritage walking tour of Pula

5. Nimes Arena, France: Known for its superb preservation, the Arena of Nimes not only hosted gladiator clashes but later became a medieval stronghold. Now restored, it’s a cultural hub for spectacles and reenactments, offering visitors a taste of its multifaceted history.

Suggested Experience: Nîmes Arena, Maison Carrée and Tour Magne

Special Mention: Capua Amphitheatre & Spartacus

No list of gladiatorial sites is complete without the Capua Amphitheatre, famed as the training ground of Spartacus, history’s most renowned gladiator. This “arena of legends,” located near Naples, offers a quieter yet profoundly atmospheric visit for those eager to explore a lesser-known amphitheatre. A National Geographic Day Tour – Spartacus' World at Ancient Capua – led by local experts delves into underground tunnels, offering glimpses into the life of the gladiators who once fought there.

About TUI Musement

TUI Musement is a global Tours & Activities business that combines a highly curated product portfolio, scalable digital platforms and in-destination service by local teams, to source, develop, distribute and deliver products in three categories:

• Experiences: Excursions, activities & attraction tickets

• Transfers: Between airports, hotels and ports

• Tours: Multi-day itineraries encompassing flights, hotels, experiences and transfers

Available in all major beach and city destinations, products are sourced from leading travel businesses or developed in-house by TUI teams, including the TUI Collection, the flagship experiences portfolio of TUI Group, and National Geographic Day Tours, unique and immersive small group guided experiences.

Products are distributed to customers, including the 20+ million TUI customers, through TUI websites and apps – such as the Tours & Activities dedicated TUI Musement app, as well as in-destination local teams and B2B partners, including some of the world's leading OTAs, tour operators, airlines, hotels, travel agencies and cruise lines. TUI Musement is one of the major growth areas of the TUI Group and employs approximately 7,000 people worldwide.

November 8, 2024