“Can you imagine the roar of the crowd?” a voice whispered next to you. You find yourself standing before the remnants of the Anfiteatro, a ghost of Florence’s Roman past. Though time has worn down its grandstands, the Anfiteatro still speaks volumes about the city’s vibrant history. Built between 124 and 130 AD, it once stood proudly outside the city walls, marking the eastern edge of Florentia. Picture a colossal elliptical structure, 126 meters in diameter, capable of holding a staggering 20,000 spectators. Gladiator combats, wild animal hunts, and public spectacles – these were the lifeblood of the Anfiteatro. As you trace the curve of Via Torta, a curiously shaped street, you are walking the path that once encircled this arena. Even today, the city seems to hold its breath around this space, whispering tales of a time when emperors ruled and gladiators fought for glory. Over the centuries, the Anfiteatro was absorbed into the fabric of the city. Houses, churches, and palazzos rose upon its foundations, each stone whispering tales of bygone eras. Though only fragments remain visible today, the Anfiteatro’s legacy lives on, a silent testament to Florence’s enduring story.
Santa Lucia alla Castellina
“A sanctuary of art and faith””. You might say that about many places, but here at Santa Lucia alla Castellina,