The Nîmes Arena, which dates back to the 1st century AD, was modelled on Rome's Colosseum. It is oval-shaped, measuring 133m long, 101m wide and 21m high, and is an impressive spectacle for any visitor to the city.
Its façade has two levels of 60 arches, as well as an attic separated by a cornice. At the top, pre-drilled stones were positioned to overhang so that long poles could be positioned over the arena. A huge canvas canopy was then attached to these poles, providing protection against the sun and bad weather.
The arena served first as a field for Roman games, before being tranformed into a fortress for military purposes and then evolving into a village – complete with houses, chapels and a chateau.
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