Piazza Anfiteatro
Piazza Anfiteatro
4.5
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This city square is built on an ancient Roman amphitheater situated in the heart of Lucca's historical center.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,296 reviews
Excellent
2,713
Very good
1,857
Average
606
Poor
98
Terrible
22
Denny S
Gothenburg, Sweden184 contributions
Nov 2022
This piazza is unique in its design as the beautifully pale yellow buildings that line the square follow the elliptical shape of the former Roman amphitheater that could seat more than 10,000 spectators. You enter the square through one of the four archways and it's almost like stepping into a giant room. Some parts of the old amphitheater have been preserved and can best be seen from the outside if you walk on Via dell' Anfiteatro, the street that goes around the entire square. Today, the square functions as a meeting place/market place where restaurants and shops coexist with each other. The square has a really intimate atmosphere and is highly recommended.
Written November 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Asiyah Noemi K
Pula, Croatia4,902 contributions
Jan 2020
This is a beautiful square with a great atmosphere. Today it is one of the favorite places for tourists in the historic center of Lucca, but Piazza Anfiteatro has an ancient and glorious past behind it. The name alone already says what its original function was. The amphitheater and the theater were built by the Romans in Lucca between the 1st-2nd century AD. As was the case for every city they founded, the theater, reserved for the wealthier classes, was built within the walls (in Lucca its remains are where the church of Sant'Agostino is located) while the amphitheater, due of the shows that took place there, such as the fights between gladiators in which even the lowest social classes could attend, were located outside the walls, both to facilitate the movement of spectators from outside the city and for the fear of popular revolts. Over the centuries, the amphitheater had various uses: from a quarry for the material, it became a deposit for salt, a powder keg and even a prison, until the arrival of the architect Lorenzo Nottolini appointed Royal Architect in 1818 by the Bourbons. At the time of Carlo Lodovico Nottolini he carried out his most important urban interventions in Lucca, including the complete restoration of the Piazza Anfiteatro which was to be completed in 1838. He eliminated all the buildings that were in the ancient arena, delimiting the elliptical perimeter of the area with the creation of the external road that runs along it (via dell'Anfiteatro) and leaving only the houses that traced the original amphitheater, he created new doors for access to the square that thus became four and in the new space the city food market was positioned, which was previously in San Michele. In 1972 the market was moved to the Carmine church and the square was finally free from any encumbrance.
Written September 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AlbertSalichs
Manresa, Spain10,516 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
Piazza Anfiteatro is a square located in the old town of Lucca, a Renaissance city in Tuscany Region, in Italy. This square is so wonderful! and it has the form of an amphitheater, is really charming! I came here in August-2019 with my 3 years old daughter and she enjoyed a lot with the street music: she sang, heard and played with the music during a lot of time. Also, the old buildings, which surrounds this close square with some gates, are very nice. In the square there are some bars and restaurants, where you can eat or drink something, while you see views of this wonderful square. For me, the best place in the city.
(See also Le Mura di Lucca, Lucca's Duomo, Piazza Napoleone and Centro Storico)
(See also Le Mura di Lucca, Lucca's Duomo, Piazza Napoleone and Centro Storico)
Written May 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Adrian G
Island of Malta, Malta470 contributions
Jun 2019
piazza amfiteatro is located in the town of lucca. for me it is the best square here. As its name implies it is oval shaped and built on an ancient roman amphitheater.
there are many bars and restaurants and we had lunch at Osteria Parlascio. Pizza, salad and great desert.
There is always, especially in summer, some live music going on with performers helping to make for a relaxed atmosphere.
there are many bars and restaurants and we had lunch at Osteria Parlascio. Pizza, salad and great desert.
There is always, especially in summer, some live music going on with performers helping to make for a relaxed atmosphere.
Written March 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MustTravel
Lucca, Italy114 contributions
Oct 2020
If you are planning to visit Lucca dont skip Piazza Anfiteatro. The piazza boast a few curio shops and restaurants and I can recommend Pizzicheria La Grotta for lunch. Most of waiters speaks a bit of english.
The Anfiteatro can be very busy but it is worth stopping and looking up and around to appreciate the beauty.
During certain days you will be lucky to find little markets of local goods and flowers.
The Anfiteatro can be very busy but it is worth stopping and looking up and around to appreciate the beauty.
During certain days you will be lucky to find little markets of local goods and flowers.
Written October 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David P
County Durham, UK67 contributions
Jan 2020
Like all areas if you choose to be in a prime position you pay for the experience but the cost is not prohibitive. Few of the restaurants were open as we visited in January. but our favourite was Puccini a sunny position and excellent service. Drinks and food were super and the staff were superb.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cath186534
Glasgow, UK153 contributions
Oct 2019
When I happened upon it after a few days in Lucca and the day following my Puccini recital.....there was a group of people singing Nessun Dorma and it was just such a lovely lively square - unusually shaped ovally and I loved looking at all the apartments all around.
Of course there are bars and trattorias all around. I ate twice at Trattoria Pizzeria da Gherardo 27 euros for some wine and spaghetti aglio olio peperincino which became a favourite of mine....
Of course there are bars and trattorias all around. I ate twice at Trattoria Pizzeria da Gherardo 27 euros for some wine and spaghetti aglio olio peperincino which became a favourite of mine....
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mitchell S
38 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
If you’re in Lucca, you must be sure to walk through the picturesque Piazza Anfiteatro, a unique medieval structure built on the shell of an ancient Roman amphitheater. In good weather, you can sit outside at one of several bars and enjoy sipping an aperitif and people watching. In summer, there are frequent musical events here.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Teresa C
Metro Manila, Philippines1,403 contributions
Oct 2022
What an experience wandering around a venue that is steeped in history. The maintenance in keeping the feel of the buildings from long gone times is wonderful. Having the cafes/restaurants there for refreshments was a good excuse to stop, and take in the surrounds over a coffee. Loved it!
Written January 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JJJC_Family
Virginia636 contributions
Nov 2021
A square in the shape of a squashed oval. That’s it. Don’t set your expectations too high, because they will certainly be dashed. In fact, set them low and you will be satisfied. Still worth seeing, but not much to see.
Written January 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
else44
Dinant, Belgium24 contributions
1. Je cherche un resto agréable, pas cher et typique pour déjeuner rapide vers 13h avec mon groupe d'une vingtaine de personnes après la visite de Lucca ; la place dell'Anfiteatro me semblait appropriée, que me conseillez-vous ?
2. Pouvez-vous aussi m'indiquer où notre autocar pourra nous reprendre après le repas pour n'avoir plus trop à marcher après la ballade et le repas ..Porta San Pietro? Porta Elisa? Porta Santa Maria? où autres???
Merci
MOTAPEDRO
Valladolid, Spain157 contributions
1. Osteria Barralla. Je crois cést posible me il faut faire une reserve pone 0583 440240
2. Je ne sais pas. Je y alle en voiture dans Lucca
Wed2
Liverpool, UK1 contribution
Hi will be travelling to Lucca in May for five nights. What is the best way to travel from Pisa Airport to Lucca. What are the 'must dos' and can I travel by train to surrounding cities of interest without to much fuss.
Christopher T
Hebburn, UK46 contributions
Hi, I hope I am not too late with this. We travelled by car so cannot comment on the public transport other than to say that I know others who have used trains without problems. The main Piazza are both worth a visit, as is the Cathedral where you will see the Santa Croce.
Angela6519
Katy, TX42 contributions
Will be in Lucca for a few hours in about a month. What are suggestions fro NON TOURIST places to eat and grab a drink and maybe shop a little and what is a MUST see?
Salvin0
Adelaide, Australia148 contributions
Hi, thank you for asking the questions. I can only give you what my wife and I enjoyed, having stayed in Lucca for one whole month. First of all, Best non-tourist place to eat is outside the ancient walls. Catch a taxi or bus to the San Marco area east of the city (I think it's the Red bus line to S.Vito), a couple of miles up the road. A quaint little restaurant called Ristorante MORENO. Lunchtime special (weekdays only) is 2 courses, wine, water, bread and coffee for ten euros each. Great value, you won't get better anywhere else. Inside the city walls best value is Bar Martini. Since you have only a 'few' hours, best to bike around on top of the walls (you'll see), go into the Amfitheatre and visit Piazza Napoleone for a drink. Hope this helps. Personally, I don't think it is enough time to really check it out, and absorb the energy of antiquity this wondrous ancient city has to offer. Good luck.
Piazza Anfiteatro (Lucca) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Piazza Anfiteatro
- We recommend booking Piazza Anfiteatro tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 52 Piazza Anfiteatro tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Piazza Anfiteatro:
- Walking Tour and Exploration of Lucca (From $11.13)
- Lucca Highlights Private Walking Tour (From $109.60)
- Pisa & Lucca Tour (From $75.96)
- Enjoyable music tour of the historical city of Lucca (From $18.45)
- Pisa and Lucca Day Trip from Florence (From $56.43)
- Hotels near Piazza Anfiteatro:
- (0.01 mi) At Home Bed and Breakfast
- (0.01 mi) Bed & Breakfast Lucca in Centro
- (0.01 mi) Residenza Anfiteatro
- (0.01 mi) Appartamento Anfiteatro
- (0.01 mi) Beautiful and charming Apt in Sq. Amphitheater, with Conditioned Air
- Restaurants near Piazza Anfiteatro:
- (0.00 mi) Osteria Del Tortellino Lucca
- (0.00 mi) Pane & Vino
- (0.01 mi) St. Bartholomeo Rua Prudente
- (0.01 mi) Osteria Del Podere
- (0.01 mi) Toscana Tipica