Welcome to the Theatre of Marcellus, just a short step away from the modern heart of Rome!

With its rich history, the Theatre of Marcellus is an obligitory stop for anyone visiting Rome. The open-air ancient theatre was started by Caesar, completed by Augustus and dedicated to Marcellus.  With the capacity for an audience of 15,000 spectators, the theatre was the second largest public space for performance of drama and song, outrivalled only by the Theatre of Pompey. The theatre consisted of three levels of arches supported by massive columns that varied stylistically. That is why today this popular tourist site is often confused with Coliseum, as the ancient Roman arches look remarkably similar.

Like most buildings of ancient Rome, the Marcellus Theatre was abandoned in the 4th century. Sadly, it fell victim to vandalism and turned into a source of building materials.

Only the 16th century saw a dramatic change for the better when the theatre was acquired by the Savelli family and later, the Orsini family. The latter transformed it into a grandiose palace with the help of the genius of Baldassare Peruzzi. A dwelling space was added, creating an elegant Renaissance palace. Even today the living space remains in use, and it is one of the most coveted and expensive private properties in Rome.

A visit to the Theatre of Marcellus is bound to leave you with the sense of awe and wonder!

The Theatre of Marcellus

Via del Teatro di Marcello, 00186 Roma

Opening and Closing Hours

All Year