Roman theatre of Verona 🇮🇹

Stepping into the Roman theatre of Verona (Teatro Romano di Verona) puts you face-to-face with authentic ancient history in northern Italy. Not to be confused with the nearby Verona Arena, this site was constructed in the late 1st century BC. Before it was built, engineers erected two walls alongside the Adige River between the Ponte di Pietra and Ponte Postumio to protect the theatre against flooding. Recovery efforts began around 1830, revealing surviving remains that include the cavea, original steps, stage elements, and loggia arcades.

Up on the hill, an ancient temple once stood across a series of terraces, while the 10th-century church of S. Siro (restored in the 14th century) occupies part of the cavea. Today, you can also explore the site's museum to view remarkable artifacts. You will see third-century A.D. mosaics, such as one from Piazza Bra depicting Bacchus with his panther, and another from Via Diaz showing intense gladiatorial combats with named fighters like a secutor and thraex.

Admire marble decorations like a young satyr, ancient lead aqueduct pipes stamped RPV, and a reconstructed sphinx created from nineteenth-century excavation fragments. It is a compelling window into Roman life.

What to see at Roman theatre of Verona

• Ancient Roman theatre built in the late 1st century BC featuring surviving cavea, steps, and loggias
• Third-century A.D. gladiatorial mosaic depicting named fighters like a secutor and thraex
• Third-century A.D. mosaic of the god Bacchus alongside his panther and vine leaves
• Lead aqueduct pipes stamped RPV and a reconstructed marble sphinx from excavation fragments
• Historical site integrated with the 10th-century church of S. Siro

Visiting tips

Be sure to visit the onsite museum to see the third-century A.D. gladiatorial mosaics and ancient lead aqueduct pipes up close.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Roman theatre of Verona is easy to reach on Verona’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Verona Arena and Castelvecchio. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Verona travel guide.