L'Flavian Amphitheater of Pozzuoli is one of two arenas that can be encountered in the Phlegrean city. Dating back to the first century AD, it was erected to contain the population growth of ancient Puteoli. Today it is one of Pozzuoli's main attractions and is visited every year by thousands of tourists who want to learn about the thousand-year history of the Phlegraean Fields.

This impressive structure was second in size only to the Colosseum in Rome and the Amphitheater Campano in Capua and is one of the best examples of theRoman architecture. Even today inside you can still see the dungeons and all the mechanisms of pulleys and trapdoors to allow animals and gladiators to fight.

The origins of Pozzuoli's Flavian Amphitheater.

The Flavian Amphitheater at Pozzuoli appears to have been designed by the same architects as the Colosseum. According to some documents, its construction took place under Emperor Vespasian, while it would have been inaugurated by Titus. However, there are those who believe that the presence of the opus reticulatum decoration suggests that the amphitheater was actually built under Nero.

In any case, its similarity to the Colosseum and the use of bricks, however, suggest that the structure was erected in the Flavian age. Because of Diocletian's persecutions in 305 the Christians Festus, Gennaro, Sossius, and Desiderius were sentenced to be mauled in the Amphitheater. The next day, however, because of the governor's absence the torture was suspended.

According to one legend the torment would actually be postponed because of a miracle. In fact, the three beasts would kneel before the four condemned men following a blessing from Gennaro. The scene was also sublimely portrayed by Artemisia Gentileschi in a painting displayed in Pozzuoli's Rione Terra Cathedral. In any case, the four condemned men were later beheaded at the Solfatara in Pozzuoli.

As a reminder of their presence in the amphitheater, between the 17th and 18th centuries the cell that had housed them became a chapel for the worship of imprisoned saints, especially St. Gennaro, for whom it is named. As evidence of this, two plaques placed at the entrance can be seen.

The structure of the Flavian Amphitheater at Pozzuoli.

The Puteolan monument presents a elliptical plan with an exterior façade comprising three rows of arches resting on pillars topped by an attic that no longer exists. The interior was accessed through four main entrances and twelve other secondary entrances, and trap doors opened on its perimeter, which were then closed with wooden boards during performances and from which the beasts came out.

The cavea of the Roman arena is divided into three tiers of tiers and could hold up to a maximum of 40,000 people. Then, at a depth of 7 meters, we find the evocative subterranean vaults of the Flavian Amphitheater, where we can still see the gears used to raise the cages with the ferocious animals and other components of the set design of the circus shows.

Today to visit the facility we recommend this guided tour of the Flavian Amphitheater which allows you to observe its timeless wonders. Then as for the admission hours, the Puteolian attraction is open daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., except on Tuesdays. Instead, the full admission ticket costs €5, while the reduced one costs just €2.