 This
piazza can be considered as a lively piazza in Lecce. It is a good
place to take a stroll from when exploring the baroque city of Lecce.
It is characterized by the presence of a magnificent Roman amphitheatre
and a column with the statue of the patron Saint Sant’Oronzo.
There is an impressive Roman amphitheatre, which is below street
level. It is elliptical in shape. It is a magnificent piece of architecture
partially uncovered. It is near the southern side of the square.
 To
feel its full impact you have to stand next to it. It has a seating
capacity of 20,000 people. It dates back to the first century BC.
The Romans used it for their various sporting activities. It was
the arena where the fights between gladiators and wild beasts took
place in the days of yore.  Nowadays
a few concerts and shows are held here especially in summer. Despite
all the additions, alterations and restorations there is a surreal
atmosphere surrounding it even today. You can close your eyes and
transport yourself to a by gone era yet when you open them and look
at street level you will find yourself part of a lively and bustling
piazza.
 The
Colonna Romano or Roman Column was erected in the second century
AD. It was one of a pair in Brindisi. Both these columns marked
the end of the Appian Way. In 1528 this column was toppled by lightning
and was lying on the ground till the citizens of Lecce bought it.
In 1661 the citizens of Lecce bought the column and transported
it to their hometown. Here it was erected in a square, which was
named Sant Oronzo after their patron saint Sant Oronzo whose statue
is present on top of the column guarding the city with his benevolence.
There are a few interesting cafes and restaurants in and around
the piazza offering many gastronomic delights. Hence Piazza Sant’Oronzo
is a perfect blend of the new and old in a very picturesque and
amazing blend of the past and the present.
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