Roman Amphitheater

Welcome to Piazza Sant'Oronzo, the living center of Letch-ay, where the layers of time are laid bare before your eyes. Most strikingly, right in the middle of this bustling 20th-century square, lies the sunken ruins of the Roman…

For centuries, the people of Letch-ay lived their lives unaware that a massive Roman arena lay just feet beneath them. It was only in 1901, during the construction of the Banca d'Italia building, that workers struck ancient stone. …

Observe the structure's layout. You can clearly see the lower tier of seats, known as the 'ima cavea,' which was reserved for the city's elite. …

What actually happened on that sandy floor? The amphitheater was the site of 'munera'—gladiatorial combats—and 'venationes'—wild beast hunts. …

Just beside the amphitheater stands the Column of Saint Oronzo, which provides a fascinating symbolic contrast. The column itself is actually composed of Roman materials—parts of one of the twin columns that marked the end of the…

Take a moment to lean over the railing and observe the atmospheric shifts. Because the amphitheater is lower than the surrounding square, it creates its own microclimate and acoustic pocket. …

What happened to this grand arena after the fall of Rome? As the Empire collapsed, the games were banned, and the amphitheater fell into disuse. …

Our visit to the Roman Amphitheater concludes, but the arena remains, a permanent resident of the city's heart. It serves as a reminder that the 'modern' world is but a thin layer on top of a vast, deep history. …