Avella sits in a strategic position guarding the Partenio pass and controlling the connecting route between the Campania plain and the Sabeto valley. Taking its name from a prized variety of hazelnuts, the "nux Abellana" , The area was namechecked by Virgil, Pliny, Strabo, and Livy. 

The Amphitheatre, smaller than that of Pompeii and was built between the first and second centuries A.D. The unpaved arena takes advantage of the natural slope and the southern part rests on large vaults. The construction of the surrounding bleachers makes use of Roman concrete, using volcanic tuff opus reticulatum. There are references to a Roman plinth or monumental base dating from 170AD (Presumably for a statue) dedicated to Lucius Egnatius Invento which stands beside the entrance of the nearby Ducal Palazzo in Avella, on which there is a carved depiction of the Amphitheatre. I have as yet not found a photograph of it – if anyone can help please let me know. 

Approaching the town from Naples there is a backdrop of the mountain range to the east and west of Monti d’Avella, which was capped with snow in January. Driving up the pass from Nola the local architecture changes distinctly from the apartment blocks and farmhouses of greater Naples to a more traditional Italian style of the mountains – thick walled two storey buildings with overhanging roofs and arched entrances. 

The amphitheatre site is surrounded by fencing,. In January the café building and entrance gates on the north side were shuttered and locked for the winter. Reconnaissance around the boundary of the deserted site found an unofficial ‘explorers entrance’ in the form of a missing railing bar- see photo in the gallery below. [Disclaimer: this website and the author do not encourage or condone unauthorised entry of historic sites or private property]. The south side of the arena is kitted out with some modern seating bleachers mounted above the remains. A reproduction Roman Chariot parked beneath one of the arches hints at some of the activities which take place there in the summer.