Theatre of Marcellus

Theatre of Marcellus

The Theatre of Marcellus is an open-air theatre in Rome, Italy, built in the final years of the Roman Republic to host theatrical and musical performances for locals and visitors. Today, this ancient structure is located in Rome’s Sant’Angelo district and has once again become a popular tourist attraction in the city. It was named after Marcus Marcellus, the nephew of Emperor Augustus, and the theatre was completed in 13 BC, with its official inauguration taking place in 12 BC under Augustus.

The Theatre of Marcellus has a diameter of 111 meters and could originally accommodate 11,000 spectators, making it quite massive and known as “the second largest theatre in Rome.” It was primarily constructed from tufa stone, with the first level featuring Doric columns, the second level Ionic columns, and the top level—where seats and columns were removed during medieval rebuilding—believed to have employed Corinthian columns, though this is uncertain. In the 17th century, the renowned English architect Sir Christopher Wren explicitly acknowledged that his design for Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre was influenced by the Theatre of Marcellus.

The Theatre of Marcellus suffered damage due to fire and war in the mid-1st century AD and began to deteriorate by the 4th century. During the Middle Ages, it was converted into a fortress, and in the 16th century, it became a noble residence. By then, apart from some of the first and second level arches, it no longer resembled a typical theatre. Today, the site of this over 2,000-year-old monument is occupied by residential apartments.

Theatre of Marcellus

Must-visit reason: One of the largest theatres of ancient Rome

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Italy[Italy]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Lazio Region [Lazio Region]

City where the attraction is located: Rome [Rome]