Roman Amphitheatre of Florence - Free Audio Guide

The Roman Amphitheater of Florence, known as the Anfiteatro romano di Firenze, was built between 124 and 130 AD in the ancient city of Florentia (modern Florence, Italy). This elliptical structure measured 126 meters in length and could accommodate around 20,000 spectators, making it a medium-sized amphitheater compared to others like the Colosseum in Rome, which held about 87,000. Although now mostly destroyed, remnants of the amphitheater's layout can still be observed in the curving streets of Florence's historic center, particularly around the piazza de' Peruzzi and the via dei Bentaccordi. The amphitheater is significant not only for its size and architecture but also for its role in the social and cultural life of ancient Florentia, where it hosted various public spectacles. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the amphitheater was gradually integrated into the urban fabric of medieval Florence, with buildings erected within its former confines. Despite never being extensively excavated, some remnants have been found during construction work, and artifacts related to the amphitheater were displayed at the now-closed Museo di Firenze com'era. Visitors to Florence can appreciate the historical significance of the amphitheater by exploring the surrounding streets and recognizing the influence of this ancient structure on the city's development. The site stands as a testament to Florence's rich Roman heritage and the evolution of urban life in one of Italy's most celebrated cities.