Anfiteatro Romano di Cagliari

Milan's Roman amphitheatre, built between the first and second centuries B.C., was one of the old town's most imposing buildings; on festive occasions around 35,000 people would congregate to watch the bloody spectacles. Christianity put an end to the pagan festivities and at the end of the 4th century the amphitheatre began to be demolished and the stone was used for other buildings, some of which has been found in the foundations of the nearby Basilica of San Lorenzo. From the immense building of elliptic plans with aces of 155 and 125 metres and with the main body over 30m high only traces of the concrete foundations remain that support the elliptic structure that surrounded the games area. The rest, which will soon form part of an archaeological park that will allow a more closer visit are currently visible from the railings along via De Amicis. A brief pause here will allow you to appreciate the exceptional dimensions of Milan's public roman building now hidden by centuries of construction and demolition that have characterised the city's building works.

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• Attraction Type: Monuments and Landmarks
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