Fodor's Expert Review Arènes
Nimes
Ruins
Fodor's Choice
The best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the world is a miniature of the Colosseum in Rome (note the small carvings of Romulus and Remus, the wrestling gladiators on the exterior, and the intricate bulls' heads etched into the stone over the entrance on the north side). More than 435 feet long and 330 feet wide, it had a seating capacity of 24,000 in its day. Bloody gladiator battles, criminals being thrown to animals, and theatrical wild-boar chases drew crowds to its bleachers. Nowadays it hosts summer concerts, as well as bullfights that transform the arena (and all of Nîmes) into a sangria-flushed homage to Spain. Self-guided audio tours are available.
