Tourexpi
The Legacy of Gladiators: TUI Musement reveals 5 of the World’s Most Popular Amphitheatres
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.
Image
Credit: © TUI Group
The most interesting news
UN Tourism Welcomes New Affiliate Members, Surpassing 500 Entities Globally
UN Tourism has welcomed 27 new entities to its growing network of Affiliate Members.
From Farm to Table in Albania: A Journey Through Nature and Culture
The Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2025, Albania, a land of stunning coastlines and rich history, is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for agritourism.
Türkiye's Gobeklitepe welcomes 50% more visitors in 2024, reaching 600,000 in 10 months
Gobeklitepe is one of Türkiye's most important cultural tourism destinations, says culture and tourism deputy minister.
First Flying Electric Ferry in the U.S. is Coming to Lake Tahoe
Skiers in Tahoe will soon reach the slopes faster, as Candela and FlyTahoe announce the introduction of the first U.S.-based Candela P-12, a groundbreaking foiling electric ferry, on Lake Tahoe.
US$65 Billion Needed Annually to Shield Coastal and Marine Tourism from Climate Crisis, WTTC Report
Addressing world leaders during Ocean Action Day at COP29 in Baku today, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) called for urgent climate investment in coastal and marine tourism to protect it from escalating climate risks.
Dusit champions local culinary excellence with sponsorshipof The Maverick Academy on Netflix
New reality show connects regional culinary talent with global opportunities in an exciting competition.
Qatari Diar and FTG Development Groundbreaking on Land of Legends in Simaisma
Land of Legends Qatar is set to become one of the largest theme parks in the Middle East with a 3-billion-dollar investment.
Türkiye emerges as top destination for British golfers
162,426 British visitors traveled to Belek, Antalya in 2023, hitting 4-year high.
New study reveals the top Istanbul neighbourhoods for traditional dishes to try this Christmas
Beyoğlu is named the best neighbourhood in Istanbul to explore traditional dishes, with 143.65 Turkish restaurants per 100,000 residents.
UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism debuts in the Middle East hosted by Bahrain
The Middle East played host to the World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for the first time, with Bahrain welcoming policymakers, industry experts, and renowned chefs to focus on sustainability and community empowerment.
UN Tourism Executive Council Looks to Innovation and Investment-Driven Future
UN Tourism’s Executive Council has met again to jointly advance the transformation of the sector.
Istanbul to host forum on AI and copyright issues
Global experts to explore AI's impact on copyright in media industry.
Royal Caribbean Brings The Action With 2026-27 Caribbean and Northeast Lineup
From Star and Icon of the Seas to all-time favorites, adventures of all kinds set the stage for vacationers to explore the tropics and more.
More choice, more flexibility: TUI expands hotel offering with smart connections
Dynamic rates, new hotels: holidaymakers and travel agencies benefit from a wider range of offers / More last-minute availability makes it easier to book at short notice.
Grand Hyatt Strengthens Global Brand Presence with Openings in New Markets
The Grand Hyatt brand continues to expand its footprint, bringing first-class hospitality and memorable guest experiences to new and key leisure and business markets from Scottsdale to Bangalore.
Indonesia Unveils the Secret Colour of Mandalika, A Journey to Lombok
The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy proudly unveils its latest promotional video, "The Secret Colour of Mandalika", inviting international travellers to explore the unparalleled beauty and cultural richness of Mandalika, a hidden
Istanbul to host major tourism forum later this month
Tourism Investment Forum (TIF) 2024 will bring together international investors, financial firms, hotel brands, innovators, and real estate developers, says association.
World of Hyatt and Headspace Launch New Series to Help Travelers Find A Good Night's Sleep
Science Behind Sleep video series gives guests and members expert tips on how to enhance sleep routines.
Türkiye hosts 1.7M cruise passengers in January-October
Kusadasi port in southwest enjoys highest number of passengers, cruise ships, official figures show.
Guiyang: Harnessing Two Treasures that Bolster Poems and Dreams
Guiyang, a city where profound history and modern civilization perfectly blend, is drawing the world's attention with its unique charm.
TAT and EVA Air Strengthen Partnership to Boost Thailand Tourism
Four-year extension builds on past success to enhance Thailand tourism via EVA Air’s global network.
