The Roman amphitheatre of Aosta

The Roman amphitheatre of Aosta was part of the ancient city of Augusta Praetoria Salassorum. Located inside the city walls near the northeastern corner, just north of the Roman theatre, it occupied an area corresponding to two blocks of the ancient city. While it is unclear if it was built with the city's foundation in 25 BC, the use of rustic rustication suggests it dates to the Julio-Claudian era. It was constructed using local bardiglio marble, with the lower seating area built into the ground to lean against an embankment and the upper section supported by two orders of 60 arches.

After the ban on gladiatorial shows, the building fell into ruin and was used as a quarry for building materials. During this period, it became known as palatium rotundum, a name that indicates a loss of memory regarding its original function. A local noble family took control of the building and the nearby tower, eventually adopting the name De Palacio or Du Palais. Some vaulted rooms, referred to as crottes in medieval documents, remained in use during this time.

In 1247, the viscount of Aosta, Godefroy de Challant, built a convent on the ruins to house the canonichesse of Santa Caterina. This new structure incorporated the northern part of the Roman amphitheatre, including eight external arches that are still visible today at ground level. The complex eventually included a church and a bell tower, covering the entire area of the former arena.

The building was renovated in 1496 by Francesco di Carmagna, who added a fresco to the entrance portal. After the Napoleonic era, the religious order was expelled in 1803. In 1831, the bishop of Aosta invited the sisters of San Giuseppe to the site to provide education and healthcare. They still occupy the complex today. Visitors can request to see the archaeological remains by accessing the reception at number 4 Via Anfiteatro.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons