We try to avoid the sun as much as possible during our climb but besides an underground passage that is quite difficult as it is a busy street and it is difficult to switch sides following the shadows. So we are happy when we arrive up top and there we meet the tourist tram, maybe this time we should have made an exception and should have taken the tram.
There is also a special cache here that we find after visiting the amphitheater but it follows the theme and it seems a lot of effort when into creating and maintaining it. But first we have to visit the amphitheater crossing a third attraction from our Roman Pass from the list.
From the entrance we have to climb high on the amphitheater rim to get an ensemble view of the complex. This is one of the more unusual amphitheaters as it was incorporated on one end into the defensive wall of the city.
There were multiple entrances and exits from the amphitheater and we pass one as we make our way along the rim. Luckily this section is shaded and we can catch our breath and relax a bit after all the sun along the way.
There are only few other visitors, quite surprising given the importance of the site but not surprising given the heat wave. And as we reach the other side of the amphitheater we notice that here is the gate that was facing the outside of the city and was fortified and protected from the amphitheater side.
And from here it is time to descend towards the center of the amphitheater. Now we explore a few of the exits and enjoy the cooler temperatures and also take a few photos with the empty amphitheater.
And then it is time to descend into the bowels of the amphitheater. We had no idea that it is possible but here it is almost frigid and everything seems water logged. At least there is a raised path that you can follow to explore the subterranean rooms and look at the various carvings that were found.
There are mysterious pathways in the distance leading deeper below the amphitheater or down in the case of a fountain but neither is ready for visitors due to water everywhere. But the cool air is so so so welcome and we take our time exploring the underground area.
But then the path leads to another exit and it is time to exit again into the unrelenting rays of the sun.
We take a few more photos of the amphitheater enjoying the views but hating the sun and then it is time to return back to the city, find something to eat and then return to the AirBnB.
We take a slightly different route returning to the city passing now by the city library which has also its own museum with old manuscripts that we won’t be able to see this time, maybe another time.
We make it just in time to the mall and buy some provisions and then some dinner from a fast food shack right before it closes for the day.
And then we return to the AirBnB and eat the kebab and schnitzels we have bought before taking another jacuzzi and settling for the night, tomorrow is another day full off Roman ruins and museums.
