The original Roman anfiteatro, built between the I (1st) and II (2nd) century AD, is today located 3 meters under the ground.

Characterized by the typical oval shape, the anfiteatro could host up to ten thousand people. The original anfiteatro, irrevocably damaged during the barbarian invasions, was ruined during the middle ages. Subsequently, locals started to build houses on the perimeter of the anfiteatro, maintaining the characteristic oval shape. Around 1830, the famous architect Lorenzo Nottolini finalized the work on the square, giving Piazza Anfiteatro its unique look which makes it one of the most fascinating sites in Lucca.