Piazza Dell'Anfiteatro - Lucca - Tuscany

The Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, also known as Piazza del Mercato, is a very nicely laid out square in an oval shape. This shape was not chosen arbitrarily, but follows the contours of a Roman amphitheater that stood on this site in the second century AD and could accommodate 10,000 spectators. The amphitheater from the second century was built just outside the city at the time.

If you look closely, in the houses you can see some stones that come from the original theater. The arch on the left also dates from the Roman period of the city. The other arches were placed in the 19th century. The square is one of the most famous symbols of the city of Lucca due to its shape and historical significance.

After the destruction of the amphitheater, a prison, slaughterhouse and salt storage warehouse stood on this site. The square as it stands today dates from 1830 and follows the contours of the old amphitheater, which are still partially present two meters underground. This popular square is generously endowed with several restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops. The ideal place to relax after a walk through the old center of Lucca. The buildings on the square all have a different height, which gives the square an old look.

The square can only be reached by passing under one of the four arcades. The square is therefore largely car-free.

The main party in the square takes place annually on April 27. The inhabitants of the city then commemorate the anniversary of the death of Saint Santa Zita. She was a simple maidservant of the 13th century who was always ready to help the poor of the city. After an accusation of theft of bread, she had to lift her apron in which the loaves were hidden. That's when the loaves turned into flowers. On April 27, the entire square is covered with flowers that the inhabitants of Lucca place here in memory. After her death she was buried in the Basilica of San Frediano. After her excavation in 1580, her body was found to be so well preserved that she can be viewed and worshiped by visitors to the church. Lying in a glass box, her head and hands are visible.

Willem Vandenameele