The Amphitheater of Bleso is located at the highest point of Tivoli, near the Rocca Pia. Built in the 2nd century, the monument was discovered by chance during road works after World War II.
Bleso Amphitheater Tivoli
Address, opening hours and entrance fee
Address: Via Aldo Moro, 9 – Tivoli (tel. +39 0774 4531). Opening hours: From 09:00 to 19:00. Closed: March to May and September to November. Entrance fee: Free of charge.
History and Description
The ruins of the Roman Amphitheater of Tivoli were found in 1948, but excavations were not completed until much later.
The elliptical monument was primarily used for gladiatorial fights.
The arena itself has a length of 60 and a width of 40 meters. Surrounding it is a walkway more than two meters wide. A section of the 12-meter-high stairs has been preserved. The total length of the monument is 90 meters and the width 50 meters.
Although the medieval registers of the abbeys of Subiaco and Farfa made mention of the Amphitheater, it was only discovered by chance during the construction of a street after World War II.
It probably dates back to the 2nd century AD. Historical sources mention one M. Tullius Blesus, who is said to have bid 200 thousand sesterces for its construction. A second source mentions M. Lurius Lucretianus who is supposed to have organized animal and gladiator fights there in 184.