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Roman Amphitheater

Roman Amphitheater

Type
Ruins or archaeological site
Address
Via Francesco RicciAscoli Piceno (AP)
Phone
0736298334
Email
sar-mar@beniculturali.it

Source: site database, © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

The anfiteatro romano (Roman amphitheater) of Ascoli Piceno lies beneath Piazza San Tommaso and cannot be seen today. The remains, discovered during an excavation in 1974, were later buried again. The building was elliptical, with axes of about 148 and 125 meters, and was part of ancient Asculum, the main center of the Piceno area in Roman times, on the Via Salaria. For visitors looking for structures to see, the site is above all a place of memory and a way to get one's bearings in the Roman city.

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On the map

Points from the site database. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors · Protomaps.

History of the Roman Amphitheater (Anfiteatro romano) in Ascoli Piceno

In Roman times Asculum became the main center of the Piceno area, thanks in part to its position on the Via Salaria. Under Augustus the city gained temples, theaters, baths, bridges and fortifications, and the amphitheater belongs to this heritage.

Over time the structures were used as a quarry for materials for walls and houses and to make lime. In 1974 the remains were brought to light during an excavation and then covered over again.

What to see of the Roman Amphitheater in Ascoli Piceno

There are no structures to admire above ground: the remains lie a few meters below the paving of Piazza San Tommaso. The square itself marks its presence, with the Romanesque church of San Tommaso Apostolo, which has a simple travertine facade and an interior with three naves. Materials from the amphitheater were reused in the church.

To picture the building, there are virtual reconstructions: a project with a 3D headset shows Roman Ascoli, with the amphitheater in Piazza San Tommaso and the theater on the Colle dell'Annunziata hill. The city has also announced a QR code system, to be scanned with a smartphone on site, to see the amphitheater beneath the square.

How to visit the Roman Amphitheater in Ascoli Piceno

Since the remains are buried, a visit consists of a stop in the square, outdoors. The church of San Tommaso had been made unsafe by the earthquake, and the diocese had planned work on the three naves and the sacristy. Before counting on seeing the interior, it is worth checking the status of the work.

Where the Roman Amphitheater in Ascoli Piceno is

The Roman amphitheater is in Ascoli Piceno, in Le Marche, beneath Piazza San Tommaso. The city stands at an elevation of 154 m, at the confluence of the Tronto river and the Castellano stream, 28 km from the Adriatic Sea. To the northwest it borders the national park of the Sibillini Mountains.

Near the Roman Amphitheater in Ascoli Piceno

The Roman theater is a short distance from the square. It is built against the Colle dell'Annunziata and was uncovered between 1932 and 1959. Excavations are still continuing today. Next comes Porta Romana in Ascoli Piceno, also called Porta Gemina, the gate through which the Via Salaria entered the city.

To continue the day, there are more suggestions on the page things to do in Ascoli Piceno.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the Roman amphitheater of Ascoli Piceno?

No, it cannot be seen. The remains, discovered in 1974, were buried again and lie beneath Piazza San Tommaso. You can visit the square and get an idea of the building through virtual reconstructions or the QR code system announced by the city.

How big was the Roman amphitheater of Ascoli?

It had an elliptical plan, with axes of about 148 and 125 meters. These figures refer to the structure uncovered in 1974 and then covered over again.

What is the difference between the Roman theater and the amphitheater of Ascoli Piceno?

They are two separate buildings, a short distance apart. The theater is built against the Colle dell'Annunziata and was excavated between 1932 and 1959. The amphitheater, on the other hand, lies buried beneath Piazza San Tommaso.

What was recovered from the amphitheater?

Part of the material was reused to build walls and houses and to make lime. Elements of the amphitheater were also reused in the Romanesque church of San Tommaso, which faces the square.

Nearby

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Straight-line distances.