Stroll through one of the many archways into Lucca’s Roman Amphitheatre and you’ll notice bright yellow buildings arranged in an elliptical shape, a significant focal point in a unique destination town. Try to imagine the armed gladiators fighting beasts to the death for the entertainment of a roaring crowd. Up to 10,000 spectators once sat in the stands here. Originally an arena for gladiatorial blood sports, the structure became a fortified military base, a warehouse, a prison and eventually, a bustling city square.
See the ancient remains of the Roman Amphitheatre as something of a skeleton that’s been incorporated into the contemporary architecture. Glimpse the original walls themselves by walking the outside perimeter on the Via dell’Anfiteatro. Today most of the original foundations are several feet underground. Inside the walls is the staggered silhouette of the pastel buildings, crowded together and towering above you in their signature elliptical shape, with the recognizable archways near the bottom.
The Roman Amphitheatre is easy to reach on foot and a location that will help you really appreciate Lucca’s rich historical tapestry. The city makes good use of this venue, putting on outdoor events such as music festivals in the warmer months. It’s also a good spot for shopping, with regular outdoor markets and gift stores selling typical Tuscan wares. Something is usually happening here, no matter what day it is. The façades of the buildings themselves are quite lovely to look at on any day. When you’re hungry, choose from a variety of cafés and restaurants in the piazza, ideal spots for people watching and soaking up the magic of this atmospheric city.
Lucca’s Roman Amphitheater is a popular stop on the Lucca tourist trail. If you’re trying to avoid crowds, plan to visit in the early morning or the evening. From here, take a short walk to other Lucca icons such as the San Frediano Basilica and the Church of San Pietro Somaldi.
