Pozzuoli, the councilor invites Russell Crowe: "Come you will find the legendary Amphitheater of the gladiators"

Pozzuoli. “Dear Russell, come to Pozzuoli, you will be a guest in a magnificent city characterized by a mix of history, culture and folklore and where you can enjoy a unique seafood cuisine.

We want to introduce you to this corner of paradise that even the ancient Romans were fascinated by and transformed it into a jewel of inestimable value”.

This is the message that the councilor for productive activities of the municipality of Pozzuoli, Titti Zazzaro, sent to the Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe, who plays Massimo Decimo Meridio in the film “Gladiator”.

A 19-year-old man dies after crashing his scooter off a bridge in Pozzuoli. July 16, 2025 - 19:19

The invitation comes not by chance: the New Zealand actor is the protagonist of a tour in Europe that in recent days has brought him to stop in Ladispoli and Catania. And it is precisely with this Lazio town that Pozzuoli has a special bond through the history of the Puteolan fishermen who contributed to its foundation.

“Here in Pozzuoli there is history that has its roots, a land of gladiators in its great Flavian Amphitheatre” adds Zazzaro, who invites the Oscar winner for a tour of the most characteristic places of the city also on the eve of Gladiator 2 which will be released in Italy in November.

“You see Russell, together with our mayor I would like to accompany you around our beloved Puteoli. I imagine a walk with you in the depths of the Amphitheater, among the largest in the world and which inspired your Gladiator. Here, in Pozzuoli you would be the Gladiator in the real Colosseum of the gladiators.

Then – continues Zazzaro – it would be nice to take you to the nearby stadium of Antonino Pio before going to the ancient Macellum. There, you can admire all the peculiarities of a unique place: history, cuisine and sea that come together in a breathtaking landscape.

In the historic center, you can admire our alleys with their seafood restaurants that offer unique local seafood delicacies. Finally, you can relive the thousand-year history of our city in Rione Terra, the ancient heart of Puteoli, which preserves thousands of years of history. Dear Russell, we are waiting for you, Pozzuoli is waiting for you!”.