Theatre of Marcellus

The Theatre of Marcellus is an ancient open-air theatre in Rome, built in the closing years of the Roman Republic. It is located in the modern rione of Sant'Angelo. In the sixteenth century, it was converted into a palazzo. Today, the upper floors are divided into multiple clubs, and its surroundings are used as a venue for small summer concerts.

Don't miss

• The theatre was 111 m in diameter and could originally hold between 11,000 and 20,000 spectators.
• It is the earliest dateable building in Rome to use fired Roman brick, a new introduction from the Greek world.
• The network of arches, corridors, tunnels and ramps was ornamented with engaged columns: Doric at the base, Ionic in the middle.
• Openings in the theatre allowed views of the natural setting, including the Tiber Island to the southwest.
• The permanent stage (scaena) rose to the top of the cavea, as in other Roman theatres.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Theatre of Marcellus

Cheapest way inColosseum and Roman Forum Sightseeing Area Walking Tour4.8★ · 175 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →Most bookedColosseum Arena Floor, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour4.3★ · 9,545 travelers~3 hoursFrom$34 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleMarvels Of Rome At Night - Private Tour4.5★ · 27 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$140 per personSee dates →

Getting there

Know before you go

• The theatre is located in the rione of Sant'Angelo, near the Portico d'Ottavia and the Roman Ghetto.
• The surroundings are used as a venue for small summer concerts.
• The upper floors are divided into multiple clubs; the Embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the Holy See is also located in the premises.

A bit of history

Space for the theatre was cleared by Julius Caesar, who was murdered before construction could begin. It was completed in 13 BC and formally inaugurated in 12 BC by Augustus, named after his nephew Marcus Claudius Marcellus. The theatre fell out of use in the early 4th century and served as a quarry. In the Early Middle Ages it was used as a fortress, and later the Savelli held it in the 13th century. In the 16th century, the residence of the Orsini, designed by Baldassare Peruzzi, was built atop the ruins.