"Tucked away in the small town of Santiponce, just a short drive from Seville, the Amphitheatre of Italica is one of those rare archaeological sites that stirs the imagination and leaves a deep impression long after you’ve left its ancient stone walls behind. Though lesser-known compared to the Colosseum in Rome, this amphitheatre is a magnificent relic of the Roman Empire—beautifully preserved, deeply atmospheric, and remarkably accessible.

Built in the 1st century AD under Emperor Hadrian—himself born in Italica—the amphitheatre once hosted over 25,000 spectators, making it one of the largest in the Roman Empire. This statistic alone is staggering when you consider the relatively modest size of the town today. Standing in the centre of the arena, it’s easy to imagine the roar of the crowds, the drama of gladiatorial games, and the prestige this structure once carried in Roman Hispania.

What makes Italica’s amphitheatre particularly captivating is its architectural elegance and scale. The three-tiered seating design, though partially eroded, still displays the clear social hierarchy of ancient Rome. The subterranean passages used to prepare animals and fighters for battle are intact and open for exploration—offering a visceral, behind-the-scenes look at the mechanics of Roman entertainment.

The central pit where the stage machinery and trapdoors once operated is especially evocative, and in some ways, even more engaging than its better-known Roman cousins due to the freedom you have to explore at your own pace.

The amphitheatre is part of the larger archaeological site of Italica, the first Roman city founded outside Italy, and the broader ruins are equally worth exploring. You’ll find cobbled streets, remnants of mosaicked Roman villas, thermal baths, and temple ruins—all framed by olive trees and Andalusian skies. The mosaics, especially those in the House of the Birds, are exquisite examples of Roman decorative artistry and still vibrant after nearly two millennia.

There’s something humbling about walking these ancient streets, surrounded by timeworn stone and silence, broken only by birdsong and the occasional tour group murmuring in awe.

One of the most appealing aspects of Italica is the accessibility. The site is rarely crowded, allowing for moments of quiet reflection, photography without obstruction, and a more intimate connection with the history beneath your feet. The surrounding environment is peaceful, almost meditative, in stark contrast to more commercialized heritage sites.

Entry is very affordable (often free for EU citizens), and the staff are courteous and helpful. Information signage around the site is well-curated and available in multiple languages, including English.

Visiting the Amphitheatre of Italica is not just a tour of an ancient ruin—it’s a journey into a powerful civilization, a tactile history lesson, and a meditation on time, endurance, and cultural legacy. It’s a reminder that greatness often hides in quieter places, away from the tourist crowds.

For history lovers, architecture buffs, or even casual travelers seeking something profound and unexpected, Italica delivers in spades. Bring a hat, water, and curiosity—you’ll leave with awe, insight, and a new appreciation for the grandeur of Rome in Iberia."

Richard T.Whybrow

"One of the best places to visit in/near Seville. Quiet. Inexpensive (1.5 Euros per person). Easy to get to. Lots of street parking. Beautiful outdoor area with lots to explore."

Verna Barrientos

"Sevilla, Anfiteatro de Italica, nestled in Santiponce, just a short distance from Seville, the Amphitheatre of Italica stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the ancient Romans. Dating back to the 1. st century AD, this Amphitheatre is one of the largest and best-preserved structures of its kind in Spain, capable of holding up to: 25,000 spectators during its prime. As you wander through the remains, you can almost hear the distant echoes of cheers and the clashing of swords from the gladiatorial games that once took place here."

Csaba Biro