Amphitheater (UNESCO World Heritage)

The rhythmic drone of stomping, fired-up spectators, the smell of fear and sweat in the arena’s frenetic air, the feeling of lightly swirling dust and hot animal breath on your neck – a visit to Trier’s amphitheatre some 1700 years ago would push the senses to their limits. Today, the stone animal cages are empty, the rows of seating have been removed, and the last grains of sand have disappeared. But the elliptical structure still has the power to fire up the imagination.

Because when rulers organised games here, the curious masses would come in their droves. And it’s no wonder, for it guaranteed a whole day of top entertainment. Visitors could enjoy theatre performances and juggling acts. Jeer the fights between boars and lions, bears and bulls. Listen to the lyres and flutes music accompanying splendid dancers, and cheer the highlight of the afternoon, when the retiaris would throw his net at the secutor (pursuer), two provocators would duel, or the equites would ride into the arena on horseback.

The Romans were unable to pass their passion for such games onto the generations that followed, and the amphitheatre was used more as a quarry in subsequent centuries. But that’s good news for modern-day visitors, as the exposed greenery shows them what makes Trier’s amphitheatre so special: Its embedded location in the nature slope of the Petrisberg. Oh yes, and its scale is consequently clear for all to see too. Measuring 120 x 145 metres, Trier’s amphitheatre ranks 10th among the world’s largest preserved Roman amphitheatres.

Discount Passes

Discover Germany's centre of antiquity conveniently and at reduced rates using the AntikenCard Trier. The discount pass (available in four different versions) offers admission to Trier's Roman buildings as well as other reductions around ancient Trier.