According to Amusing Planet, at least four ancient Roman amphitheaters remain in use today. This is super impressive as there are now around 2,000 years old and still going strong. Not many buildings get to last that long! Most of the amphitheaters were smaller, and the larger ones could around 20,000 spectators and the four that are still used are larger ones. They are in France, Italy, and Croatia.

Public works and public entertainment were once central to Roman identity and the Roman way of life. They built stone amphitheaters all over the Roman world to the point that at once almost any town of any size had its own amphitheater. While the Colosseum is the largest, it is not in use today, but it is still being restored - including with a retractable floor.

Arena of Nimes

Nimes is famous for being the best Roman city outside of Roman and for being France's little Rome. Nimes boasts a range of well-preserved Roman landmarks (including the UNESCO  Listed Pont du Grad). The Arena of Nimes was one of the first constructed and was built soon after the Colosseum.

  • Largest Amphitheater: The Colosseum In Rome With Around 50,000
  • Number Of Amphitheaters: Around 230-400 (Depending On The Source) Roman Amphitheaters Have Been Discovered

In the olden days it could pack around 24,000 people but today it's limited to around 16,000. It is located in the South of Frane and was part of the Roman province of Cisalpine Gaul - one of the first Roman provinces outside of Italy.

In Classical Roman times, the Area of Nimes was used to host gladiator fights, animal hunts, and other performances. Today it serves as an arena for French bullfights (it's not just the Spanish), for concerts, and for the must-see Great Roman Games (spectacular re-enactments).

It is now one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world

  • Original Capacity: Around 24,000
  • Today's Capacity: Around 16,000
  • Built: Around 70 AD
  • Restored: 1786

If one would like to visit the Arean of Nimes it is open to the public daily (except during events). The Great Games of Rome are utterly impressive and should be on anyone's bucket list.

Related: These Are Some Of The Best Preserved Roman Roads To Explore

Verona Arena

The Verona Arena is even older having been built in 30 AD and is also one of the best-preserved in the world. It is in Piazza Bra in Verona in Northern Italy. It was badly damaged in a 12th-century earthquake with the outer facade being almost completely destroyed.

Today it is used for large-scale opera performances. Notably, it is planned to be used as the closing ceremony venue for the 2026 Winter Olympics followed by the Opening Ceremony for the 2026 Winter Paralympics.

  • Built: In 30 AD
  • Original Capacity: Around 30,000
  • Today's Capacity: Maximum of 15,000

One can see upcoming events and book them on the Verona Arena's website. It is also open daily for touring from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm and entry tickets can be purchased online.

Arles Amphitheater

The Arles Amphitheater is another ancient Roman amphitheater built in 90 AD and is located in the French town of Arles. The venue saw significant modifications later on and the towers jutting out of the top are medieval add-ons.

In its day, it would host chariot races, gladiatorial battles, and other shows. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, security was bad and like some other amphitheaters, it was transformed into a fortress with four towers. A town of around 200 houses sprang up within it.

Today like in Nimes it hosts bullfighting events and plays and concerts. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1981 together with other Roman and medieval buildings in the city.

  • Status: UNESCO World Heritage Listed Since 1981
  • Built: In 90 AD
  • Original Capacity: Over 20,000 Spectators

It is open to the public and hours differ by season and entry is only 6 Euros (or around $7.00). Learn more on its website.

Related: Skip The Colosseum: You Should See These Ruins In Rome, Instead

Pula Arena

The Pula Arena is located in Pula, Croatia, and was built between 27 BC and AD 68 and is today one of the best-preserved in the world and is considered the best-preserved ancient monument in Croatia. When it was built, it could have seated about 23,000 spectators. It gruesome games of death by combat and wild animal fights were forbidden in 681 AD.

During the Middle Ages, it was occasionally used for tournaments by the Knights of Malta and medieval fairs. Today it is used for a host of events like concerts, operas, ballets, sports competitions, and the Pula Film Festival.

  • Built: Between 27 BC and AD 68
  • Original Capacity: Around 23,000 Spectators
  • Today's Capacity: 7,000 Seating and 12,500 With Standing

Like other amphitheaters on this list, it is open to the public daily but also has variable hours. See more information on the town's tourism website.

Next: How To Visit Pompeii, And Why Everyone Should (Especially Herculaneum)