Piazza dell'Anfiteatro by Ronne Vinkx

Lucca developed into an important city in Roman times. The influence of the Romans can still be seen in today's Lucca. For example ear the rectangular street plan of the old city centre, typical of Roman urban development. Another and perhaps more visible remnant of Roman times is the amphitheatre. Construction of the amphitheatre, an oval-shaped open-air theatre, in Lucca began as early as the second half of the first century AD, in the time of Emperor Claudius. After its completion, the amphitheatre was used for gladiatorial games, among other things. When the Roman Empire collapsed, Lucca was threatened by attacks by Gothic peoples. The amphitheatre, which was located just outside the then city walls, therefore had to be fortified and reinforced to serve as a defensive structure. When the Goths eventually no longer posed a threat to Lucca, people started using the amphitheatre for various purposes. Houses were built on the circular walls of the theatre and the courtyard was also built on. It housed a prison, a salt store and also a gunpowder magazine. It was only between 1830 and 1839 that the amphitheatre was somewhat restored to its former glory. Under the direction of architect Nottolini, the buildings in the courtyard were pulled down and the Via dell'Anfiteatro was built around the ancient structure.