Cagliari’s Ancient Roman Theatre

I’ve been writing posts about my recent visit to Cagliari, the capital of the Italian island of Sardegna.

There were lots of interesting places to visit in this city, including the ruins of an Ancient Roman amphitheater.

This can be found between the neighborhoods of Castello and Stampace. We walked out here on a particularly hot day, and I vividly recall climbing lots of hills to get here…

This amphiteatre was built in the 2nd century AD, largely carved from the rocky surface of this area, and augmented with local limestone.

It has pleasant views over the sea, and is 120 meters long and 20 meters high. Back in its heyday, it could host 10,000 spectators.

Apparently, the theatre had been covered for many years, and was only “rediscovered” in the 19th century, with a new interest in the classical world and its structures.

The first series of excavations happened in the 1860s, and would be completed during the Fascist era, with excavations in 1937-38, which restored the Amphitheatre to (much of) its former glory.

It’s a beautiful location and is interesting to see its juxtaposition in its natural setting.

I always enjoy visiting Roman theatre ruins spread across Europe, and I always enjoy seeing those, like Cagliari, along the edge of the sea.

When you’re in Cagliari, you may want to stop off to see this Ancient Roman theatre.