Audio Guide of Roman Amphitheatre

The Roman Amphitheatre of Lecce is an open-air archaeological site visible from Piazza Sant'Oronzo, so it does not have fixed opening or closing hours and can be viewed freely from the square. Although regular access to the interior is not available, you can always admire its scale from the outside at any time of day.

No, viewing the Roman Amphitheatre from Piazza Sant'Oronzo is completely free. It is an open-air monument in the heart of the city and can be admired at no cost.

Since the amphitheatre is mainly viewed from the square outside, a quick look and a couple of photos may take between 15 and 30 minutes. If you are interested in its history, you may want to stay a bit longer to appreciate the details and the atmosphere of Piazza Sant'Oronzo, but it does not require as much time as a museum visit.

The Roman Amphitheatre of Lecce, dating from the 2nd century AD, was discovered and excavation began in the 20th century. Its importance lies in being an impressive testimony to the Roman presence in Lecce, ancient Lupiae, and in its capacity to hold around 25,000 spectators, reflecting the scale and splendor of public life at the time.

The best time to visit is at sunset, when the golden light enhances the Lecce stone and the square fills with life while the temperature remains pleasant. During spring and autumn, the weather is milder and there are fewer tourists, making for a more peaceful visit.

Since the amphitheatre is viewed from Piazza Sant'Oronzo, which is a paved and mostly flat square, it is quite accessible for people with reduced mobility. You can approach it and view it easily from the surface of the square.

You are in the heart of Lecce, surrounded by beauty. Right next to it, you have the Column of Sant'Oronzo, and the Lecce Cathedral just a few minutes away on foot. You can also explore the charming Basilica of Santa Croce and Palazzo dei Celestini, both stunning examples of Lecce Baroque.

I recommend sitting at one of the cafés in Piazza Sant'Oronzo to enjoy an aperitif while admiring the amphitheatre. Bring your camera, as it is a very photogenic place, especially at sunset. And do not forget to wear comfortable shoes for walking along the cobbled streets of Lecce and discovering its many other charms.