Piazza dell'Anfiteatro

Piazza dell'Anfiteatro is a public square in the northeast quadrant of the walled center of Lucca, region of Tuscany, Italy.

The ring of buildings surrounding the square follows the elliptical shape of the former second century Roman amphitheater of Lucca.

The base of the former amphitheater (dating back to the 1st or 2nd century BC)[1] is now some 3 meters below the ground surface.

[2] Now at its place is an urban square (piazza) surrounded by private residences built using the remaining structures of the Amphitheatre, which are occupied by several outdoor cafes.

This piazza was created in 1830 by the architect Lorenzo Nottolini by razing some of the buildings inside the oval.

Aerial view of Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
The square as seen from one of its four gateways