Lecce, nicknamed the “Florence of the South,” is a city that enchants with its dazzling Baroque architecture and the charm of its ancient stones. However, behind its image as the Baroque capital lies an even deeper and older history: that of Roman heritage. The recent unearthing of a buried portion of the Roman amphitheater, discovered during paving work in Piazza Sant’Oronzo, has brought this hidden gem back into the spotlight, revealing not only fragments of a distant past but also raising questions about the city’s future. This is not merely an archaeological recovery; it is about rediscovering Lecce’s identity, which, along with the archaeological site of Rudiae and other Roman treasures, positions the city as a cultural hub of global significance—a uniqueness comparable only to Rome.

Built between the 1st and 2nd century AD, Lecce’s Roman amphitheater is one of the most significant testimonies of Lupiae’s Roman era, the ancient name of the city. Its construction is believed to have been commissioned by Emperor Augustus as a gesture of gratitude towards a city that welcomed him during the civil wars. This structure, once capable of hosting between 12,000 and 14,000 spectators, was a vital center of public life, featuring hunting spectacles, gladiatorial games, and public ceremonies.

The amphitheater, now visible only in part, is a masterpiece of engineering. Its elliptical structure, carved directly into the Lecce stone bedrock, employed a blend of construction techniques: concrete work, squared stone blocks, and a sophisticated system of stairways to access the various sectors. The outer wall, originally composed of 68 arches, is now visible in only 24 pillars, yet it still conveys the grandeur of the work. Over time, the amphitheater was enriched, likely during the Hadrianic period, with a second-floor colonnade and carved reliefs depicting hunting scenes.

The amphitheater is not an isolated case: Lecce boasts a unique Roman heritage, including two theaters (one recently discovered in Rudiae), two amphitheaters, and two Augustan-era ports. This concentration of historical evidence makes the city a true open-air museum, capable of telling a millennia-old story that deserves to be experienced and fully appreciated.

The recent visit by Mayor Adriana Poli Bortone to Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli marks a pivotal moment for the amphitheater’s future. During the meeting, the ministry confirmed the allocation of funds to continue excavations and make visible the monument’s still-buried portions. Additionally, a technical committee, including experts such as Professor Francesco D’Andria, has been established to plan interventions aimed not just at preservation but at enhancing the entire site.

The ideas for the future are ambitious: innovative musealization plans propose using transparent materials or interactive markers to highlight archaeological traces, integrating them into the modern pavement. Augmented reality technologies could bring the Roman city back to life, overlaying it onto contemporary Lecce and offering visitors an immersive experience that uniquely connects past and present.

Enhancing the amphitheater poses significant challenges. Reopening excavations and expanding the visible area require reorganizing urban spaces, with solutions that minimize impact on the city’s daily life. Among the innovative proposals is a suspended bridge connecting Piazza Sant’Oronzo to Via Giuseppe Verdi, demonstrating how history and modernity can coexist harmoniously.

Discovered in the early 20th century through the studies of Cosimo De Giorgi, the amphitheater has been recognized as a national monument since 1906. Yet its full rediscovery could transform Lecce into a cultural and archaeological epicenter, increasing its international prestige.

An effective enhancement of the amphitheater and other Roman sites could represent a turning point for Lecce’s cultural tourism. Today known for its Baroque heritage, the city could broaden its appeal by emphasizing its Messapian and Roman roots. New tourist flows, drawn by innovative and diversified experiences, could contribute to a more sustainable economy centered on conscious tourism.

Projects like “Touch to Believe,” which make heritage accessible to the visually impaired through 3D miniatures, demonstrate how culture can be made inclusive, enriching the value of Lecce’s historical legacy.

The rediscovery of Lecce’s Roman amphitheater is not just an opportunity to bring a piece of history to light but a true call to action for the entire community. Lecce has the chance to redefine its identity, embracing its millennia-old roots and going beyond its image as the Baroque capital. As Mayor Poli Bortone stated: “It’s history, beauty. Courage: there’s no other way.”
A future rich in history and innovation awaits Lecce, ready to shine once more on the world stage.