The oldest monument in Paris: the Arenas of Lutetia
Line 7: Place Monge
Paris is a city famous for its historical monuments and tourist sites. Among them are the Arenas of Lutetia, a Roman amphitheater dating from the 1st century. The Arenas of Lutetia are a hidden gem in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, and many are unaware of their existence. In this article, we will discover the fascinating history of the Arenas of Lutetia and why they are a must-see for anyone visiting Paris.
The history of the Arenas of Lutetia
The Arenas of Lutetia were built in the 1st century AD under Roman rule. They served as an amphitheater for games and gladiator fights, as well as for public performances. For centuries, the bullring has been used for cultural, political and religious events. However, in the 5th century, when the Roman Empire collapsed, the arenas were abandoned and were gradually covered by surrounding vegetation and buildings.
It took until the 19th century for the arenas to be rediscovered. Since then, the arenas have been restored and have become a popular historical site to visit in Paris. Then, they become an outdoor basketball stadium hosting several competitions including the final of the French championship. The place will host meetings until 1951.
Characteristics of the Arenas of Lutetia
The Arenas of Lutetia is an oval amphitheater 132 meters long and 100 meters wide, with a capacity of around 15,000 people. Thus, almost the entire population of the city, which was 20,000 people, crowded into the stands. The stands are divided into four sections by stairs and were once covered with stone slabs. Although much of the bleachers have been destroyed, a section has been restored to allow visitors to sit and imagine what it would have been like to watch the gladiator fights in the arena.
The entrance to the bullring is marked by two square towers which were added in the 14th century. The towers were used as a prison during the French Revolution and have recently been restored. Visitors can also see remnants of the underground corridors that were used to transport fighters and animals to the arena.
Why visit the Arenas of Lutetia ?
The Arenas of Lutetia are a fascinating testimony to the Roman history of Paris. The site is free and open to the public all year round, and is a great place for a leisurely stroll in historic surroundings. The place hosts small football or bowls matches but also neighborhood parties. If you are interested in ancient history, the Arenas of Lutetia are a must during your visit to Paris!
The Arenas of Lutetia are a remarkable historical monument and an example of the Roman heritage of Paris. Although they are often overlooked by tourists, they are certainly worth a visit for anyone wishing to learn about the city’s fascinating history. Through the ruins of the amphitheater, visitors can imagine the gladiator fights, public performances and daily life of Parisians in Roman times, 2,000 years ago. The Arenas of Lutetia are a hidden treasure to discover in Paris.
