This Walled Medieval Italian City Has A Square With Elliptical Buildings (Built On An Actual Ancient Amphitheater)

Lucca, Italy is home to an ancient Roman amphitheater with a whole lot of history to share.

The Romans are famous for their many amphitheaters. Some of them are well-preserved and continue to be used today while others are national icons (most famously the Colosseum of Rome). As Rome collapsed and with it so too is the security of the empire, some of them were re-purposed as fortified towns while others (such as the one in London) have largely disappeared from view.

The ancient Roman theater at Lucca is one of the most eye-catching. Today it is visible at the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro as a ring of buildings that follow the elliptical shape of the old amphitheater.

Lucca is a stunning small Medieval Italian city in the Tuscany region. There are plenty of attractions in it but one of the most significant is the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro in the center. The amphitheater is found within the Medieval walled center of Lucca. There are four gateways into the square.

The old Roman amphitheater was built in the second century (although its earliest origins likely date back to the 1st or 2nd century BC). It is estimated that the amphitheater had a capacity for around 10,000 spectators and 18 rows of seating when it was at its largest. The base of the old amphitheater is now located around three meters or nine feet below the modern ground surface.

During the Gothic wars and the siege of Narsetes, the old amphitheater was fortified and its arches were blocked off. At the time, the amphitheater was outside the old Roman walls (it's inside the later Medieval walls). Houses and even prisons were built on the old structure.

The modern square was built in 1830 by demolishing some of the buildings inside the oval (the old arena of the amphitheater). The unmistakable ring of homes around the square was built using the remaining old structures of the amphitheater.

The materials of the old amphitheater were used in some of the buildings seen there today. It is remarkable to see the elliptic shape of the square (or piazza) with the ring of homes preserves the outline of the old Roman structure.

Imagine traveling back in time when this peaceful square was an arena surrounded by thousands of blood-thirsty spectators watching the gladiatorial games.

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The city preserves both its ancient Roman history and its Medieval heritage. The city of Lucca is a small Italian city with a population of around 90,000. It is famous within Italy for its Medieval city walls and its exceptionally well-preserved old center.

It was known as Luca to the Romans and became a Roman colony in 180 BC. For history buffs, it was here that Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus formed their powerful First Triumvirate alliance.

The streets of the Medieval city still preserve the old street plan of the old Roman city. Lucca was the capital of the northern Italian Republic of Lucca which lasted from 1160 to 1805.

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While there are fragments of the old Roman walls of Lucca visible today, the city is best known for its Medieval walls. The ancient Roman city walls have been incorporated into the construction of the Santa Maria della Rosa church.

The walls of Lucca are considered some of the best-preserved Renaissance walls in Europe. They extend for 4 kilometers (or 2.5 miles). Lucca is the second-largest intact fully walled Renaissance city (Cyprus' Nicosia is larger).

Visitors can also see the remains of the Aurelian Walls of Rome which were built as the security of the empire weakened.

Another notable Medieval attraction in Lucca is the 45-meter (or 150-foot) Guinigi Tower which was built during the 1300s. Visitors can climb the 233 steps to the top and enjoy a bird's eye view of the city.

The Guinigi Tower is a remaining bell tower built as a status symbol by the wealthy families of the city. Visitors can't help but notice the tall holm oaks growing on the top of the tower.

Some of the best city walls in Europe are found in Spain. The Spanish city of Lugo is home to the only intact Roman city walls today while the Spain Walls of Avila are some of the most impressive Medieval walls found in Europe.

Lucca is only around 15 miles from the famous Italian city of Pisa (home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa). Take the time to have a side trip to see the old amphitheater and Medieval attractions at Lucca.

Aaron is a first-hand traveler who has visited more than 80 countries around the world. He is passionate about traveling and opening up the world for other intrepid explorers. He can be reached on Instagram at aaronspray