Amphitheatre of Pompeii 2026

AMPHITHEATRE OF POMPEII

Rome's Oldest Surviving Amphitheatre

Built around 70 BC under the duumvirs Gaius Quinctius Valgus and Marcus Porcius, the Amphitheatre of Pompeii is the oldest known surviving permanent stone amphitheatre in the Roman world, predating Rome's Colosseum by more than a century. Hewn partly into the earth to save on masonry, it could welcome up to 20,000 spectators for gladiatorial combat, wild-beast hunts and athletic contests. A violent riot between Pompeiians and Nucerians in 59 AD led to a ten-year imperial ban on games at the venue.

Buried under volcanic ash by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD and rediscovered in the 18th century, the amphitheatre became an emblem of Pompeii's miraculous preservation. In October 1971 Pink Floyd filmed Live at Pompeii inside the empty arena, performing Echoes, A Saucerful of Secrets and One of These Days for cameras alone. In July 2016, David Gilmour returned with two sold-out concerts on his Rattle That Lock tour — the first public rock shows there in almost two millennia.

Notable Past Performances

Few venues in the world bridge ancient and modern like the Pompeii amphitheatre:

• Pink Floyd — filmed Live at Pompeii here in October 1971
• David Gilmour — first public concerts in nearly 2,000 years, July 2016
• Built c. 70 BC by duumvirs Valgus and Porcius — predates the Colosseum
• Gladiator combat and venationes until Vesuvius buried Pompeii in 79 AD
• 59 AD Nuceria riot — documented in a famous fresco
• Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed 1997

How to Reach the Amphitheatre

• Circumvesuviana — Napoli–Sorrento line to Pompei Scavi–Villa dei Misteri, 5-min walk to Piazza Anfiteatro entrance.
• Trenitalia regional — Napoli Centrale to Pompei station, 10-min walk to the eastern gate.

Why Book Pompeii Amphitheatre Tickets

Concerts inside the ancient amphitheatre are extraordinarily rare — capacity is intentionally limited, demand is global. Book early.

Browse Upcoming Events

Check back for the rare concerts and special performances staged in this UNESCO landmark.