Lecce Roman Amphitheatre (Anfiteatro Romano di Lecce) Tours
Lecce is known for its 17th-century Baroque beauty, but the city’s history stretches back to the Roman empire. Nowhere is this legacy more evident than in Lecce’s Piazza Sant’Oronzo, where the Lecce Roman Amphitheatre (Anfiteatro Romano di Lecce) from the second century BC is still used today for performances.
The Basics
Discovered in the early 1900s and excavated in 1938, Lecce’s Roman amphitheater was once five stories high. It seated 25,000 spectators and hosted gladiator bouts to entertain the legions of Roman soldiers billeted in what is now the region of Puglia. Beneath the arena, the pens that once housed animals, prisoners, and slaves can be seen among the ruins. Under the watchful eye of the statue of Sant’Oronzo—the patron saint of Lecce—which sits atop a Roman column, the amphitheater is currently used for more peaceful pursuits, including a summer series of concerts and plays.
Because of its archaeological importance, it's best to visit Lecce’s Roman amphitheater with a walking or bike tour led by a knowledgeable guide. Many tours also include visits to Lecce’s famous Baroque Duomo, Basilica di Santa Croce, and Chiesa di Santa Chiara.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Roman amphitheater in Lecce is outdoors, so wear a hat and sunscreen.
- Though the amphitheater is not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, it is easy to view the archaeological site from the piazza above without entering.
- The amphitheater hosts musical and theatrical performances in the summer, and may be partially covered by stage structures.
- A tour of the theater is particularly interesting for archaeology buffs.
How to Get There
The amphitheater is located in Lecce’s main Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the heart of the city’s historic center and an easy walk from the train station and other important sights and attractions.
When to Get There
The city of Lecce can get uncomfortably hot in the summer, so plan to visit first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon from June to September. Lecce celebrates its three patron saints each year August 23–25, with light displays, music, and festivities, making it is an especially memorable time to visit.
The Baroque Center of Lecce
Lecce is famous for its sumptuous architecture, including magnificently carved and decorated churches and palaces made of Leccese-stone and dating from the 17th-century. These structures are considered masterpieces of the Baroque style. The most famous examples include the Cathedral (Duomo), the Basilica of Santa Croce, and the Church of Santa Chiara.
Address: Piazza Sant’Oronzo, Lecce, Italy
7 Tours and Activities to Experience Lecce Roman Amphitheatre (Anfiteatro Romano di Lecce)
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Lecce Bike Tour
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Lecce on a leisurely bike tour. Pedal through the flat, bike-friendly streets and piazzas with a local guide and visit highlights like the Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo, and the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater. Enjoy the fresh air and flexibility of a 2-wheeled tour, and stop often to snap photos, browse local boutiques, and sample regional food and wine.
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From
$37.96
From
$37.96
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Best of Lecce walking tour
Discover the stories of southern Lecce without spending a fortune on guidebooks with this morning tour of the city center. Starting from the iconic Piazza del Duomo, hear the history of this city as told through its buildings. Visit sites from across the ages, from the classical Roman amphitheater to the baroque Basilica di Santa Croce. Don’t get pushed to the back of the group, either: on this small group walking tour, get personalized attention from your guide and answers to all your questions.
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From
$83.04
From
$83.04
Lecce. Journey to discover a charming baroque
The historic center of Lecce is one of the most interesting in Puglia. The particularity of its Baroque architecture derives from the ability of local artists and architects who, between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries, have done something unique thanks to the quality of the tender local stone. Our tour will be a journey through time, from the splendor of the Roman Empire to contemporary Lecce. An elegant and refined city where churches and ancient buildings alternate artisan workshops (especially papier-mache), shops and places where you can taste typical products.
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From
$44.89
Price varies by group size
From
$44.89
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Lecce Private Walking Tour with local expert guide
On this tour you will discover the beauty of Lecce, that is considered the capital of baroque art and architecture in Southern Italy. Enjoy a 2.3-hour, private walking tour with a top-rated local guide, choosing between daylight or sunset tour.
You will walk through the Old Town, on and off the beaten paths to see the most beautiful noble palaces, piazzas and fountains. You will learn facts, historical anecdotes and curiosities about Lecce society, monuments and art.
The guide will give you precious advice on where to eat, shop and spend your free time. You will also have the opportunity to discover and taste local street food specialties like the famous pasticciotto, a shortcrust pastry filled with custard.
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From
$124.56
Price varies by group size
From
$124.56
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Augmented and Virtual Reality Small Group Tour in Lecce
Technology and history come together for the first time in the territory to offer a unique cultural experience.
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From
$9.49
$2.37 savings
From
$9.49
$2.37 savings
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Lecce Rickshaw City Tour
Immerse yourself in the rich architectural array of Lecce during a private 3-hour rickshaw tour of the charming city. After selecting a departure time to suit your schedule, greet your guide and climb aboard your comfortable rickshaw. Cruise past historical highlights like the Roman amphitheater; absorb the Baroque beauty of monuments like the Basilica di Santa Croce; and delve into authentic local culture as you stop to sample local specialties in popular eateries. Receive the undivided attention of your guide on this tour.
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From
$85.23
Price varies by group size
From
$85.23
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Lecce Street Food Tour
The city of Lecce is known for both its Baroque architecture and excellent street food. With this experience, discover the best of both without getting footsore by combining sightseeing and food tasting in a single bike tour. Zip through the picturesque lanes of the old town to take in the historic palaces and churches, stopping to sample local delicacies like “puccia”, “taralli”, and “pettole” washed down with Puglian wines.
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From
$71.17
From
$71.17
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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