Theatre of Marcellus

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The theater was originally designed to accommodate up to 20,000 spectators.

2. 2

   It was dedicated to Marcus Claudius Marcellus, the nephew and intended heir of Augustus, who died prematurely.

3. 3

   The Orsini family, a prominent Roman noble house, took ownership of the site in the 16th century and commissioned Baldassarre Peruzzi to incorporate a palace into the existing ancient ruins.

4. 4

   The building sits on the site of the former Temple of Pietas, which was demolished to clear space for the theater's foundation.

5. 5

   The theater’s lower arcade utilizes the Doric order, the middle utilizes the Ionic order, and the missing top level is believed to have utilized the Corinthian order.

6. 6

   It is one of the few Roman theaters that retains a significant portion of its original exterior facade.

Overview

Teatro di Marcello is an ancient Roman theater commissioned by Julius Caesar and completed by Augustus in 13 BC. It is famously nicknamed the 'small Colosseum' due to its tiered arcades and semicircular architecture. The structure is unique for its residential integration, as the upper levels were converted into luxury apartments during the Middle Ages. The building features an exterior of travertine stone, showcasing a progression of Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian architectural orders. Today, it remains an active site, with the upper-level private apartments still occupied while the ground level remains open to public view. The site is a key venue for classical music and operatic performances during the summer festival season. It served as a functional model for the later design of the Colosseum.

Insider tips

• View the theater from the Piazza di Monte Savello for a clear perspective of the contrast between the ancient ruins and the Renaissance residential palace.

• Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Porticus Octaviae, located just across the street.