Theater of Marcellus (Teatro di Marcello)

The Basics

Visit the outdoor Teatro di Marcello to view its archways and tiers, arranged in a semicircle. Its third tier was lost in Medieval reconstruction, but you can see ornamental Doric and Ionic columns on the lower tiers. The theater once held up to 20,000 spectators and was one of the largest entertainment venues in the ancient city.

Like many ancient Roman ruins, the Teatro di Marcello is best appreciated on a guided archaeological tour. Join a small-group walking, Segway, or e-bike tour of Rome’s most important ancient sites, most of which include skip-the-line entrance to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus along with a visit to the outdoor Teatro di Marcello. A visit to the theater can easily be combined with a food tour of the nearby Jewish Ghetto.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Most of Rome’s archaeological sites are open-air, so wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes on an ancient Rome tour.

• A visit to the theater is especially fascinating for Roman history enthusiasts.

• Due to the uneven and unpaved grounds, the outdoor site is not accessible to wheelchair users.

• The theater is no longer used as a venue, but small concerts are held on grounds with the structure as a backdrop.

How to Get There

The theater can be found on Via del Teatro di Marcello near the banks of the Tiber River and east of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto through the Portico d’Ottavia. The nearest metro stop is Colosseo.

When to Get There

The archaeological site is largely open-air, so visit when the weather is clear and not too hot. In summer, arrive first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.

The Colosseum Big Brother to the Teatro di Marcello

Teatro di Marcello was built almost a century before the Colosseum, and there are differences. Where Teatro di Marcello was semicircular, the Colosseum's amphitheater forms a complete circle. The Colosseum held more than double the spectators, had an additional tier, and had a complex stage and underground technical area. The smaller Teatro di Marcello did offer a view of Tiber Island and pioneered the use of fired bricks in Roman construction.

Ways to explore

Once Rome’s biggest theater, holding more than 20,000, the Theater of Marcellus is today the only intact ancient Roman theater. You can’t enter, but you can view its archways and ornamental Doric and Ionic semi-columns on the lower tiers—arranged in a semicircle, a blueprint for the Colosseum—from outside. You can also visit the nearby ruins, the Temples of Apollo Sosianus and Bellona.

Take a walking, Segway, e-bike, or golf cart tour of Rome’s most important ancient sites (including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus) to learn more. Combine the theater with a walking tour of the nearby Jewish Ghetto.

Accessibility

The area around the theater is somewhat wheelchair accessible, although uneven paths can pose difficulties to visitors with reduced mobility.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water

What to wear

Most of Rome’s archaeological sites are open-air, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

Not allowed

Entering the theater

Address

The Theater of Marcellus is on Via del Teatro di Marcello near the banks of the Tiber River and east of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto.

Driving

While you could drive, navigating Roman traffic and finding parking is stressful. Hail a cab or book a rideshare instead.

Public transportation

The nearest Rome Metro stop is Colosseo, which is on line B. It’s around a 20-minute walk. Alternatively, the Venezia and Arenula/Cairola tram stops are both a 10-minute walk.

Best times to visit

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting conditions for photography.

Best days to visit

While the theater doesn’t receive as many visitors as other ancient Roman sites, weekdays are always the quietest.

Best months to visit

As the theater is outdoors, the spring and fall months offer the most comfortable conditions.

Special events

In summer, Concerti del Tempietto is a series of classical music concerts held in front of the theater.