Why is the Nîmes Arena so impressive?
Built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Augustus, the Nîmes amphitheatre is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world.
The monument is impressive for its size and the perfection of its construction: oval in shape, it measures approximately 133 metres long, 101 metres wide and rises to a height of over 20 metres. Its façade consists of two tiers of 60 superimposed arches, which bear witness to the remarkable skill of Roman architects.
In its day, the arena hosted major popular spectacles: gladiatorial combats, horse races, festivals or performances designed to entertain the populace and assert the emperor’s power across the provinces of the Empire.
As you walk through the galleries, you can also see sculptures and bas-reliefs depicting the founding myths of Rome, such as the famous scene of Romulus and Remus being nursed by a she-wolf.
What’s there to see just a stone’s throw from the arena?
The Maison Carrée
A few minutes’ walk away stands another ancient treasure: the Maison Carrée. This Roman temple is unique in the world as it is one of the few monuments of its kind to have survived almost intact.
Also built during the reign of Augustus, it symbolised imperial power and its divine dimension. Its perfectly symmetrical architecture and elegant columns draw direct inspiration from the great Roman temples dedicated to Apollo and Mars Ultor, two major deities of ancient Rome.
Today, the Maison Carrée remains one of Nîmes’ most iconic landmarks and an essential stop for anyone wishing to understand the city’s Roman history.
How to choose a campsite for visiting Nîmes?
Fancy exploring these monuments during your holiday in the Gard? Staying at a campsite near Nîmes is a great way to enjoy both the region’s historical heritage and its sunny landscapes.
To organise your stay and plan your visit to the amphitheatre and the Maison Carrée, discover our selection of campsites in Nîmes and the surrounding area here.
Practical information to help you plan your visit
The Nîmes Arena is open to visitors all year round, except during certain events or shows which may occasionally affect access to the monument.
Address:
Arènes – Boulevard des Arènes
Maison Carrée – 1 Boulevard Victor-Hugo
30000 Nîmes
Telephone: +33 (0)4 66 21 82 56
Website: arenes-nimes.com