The Theatrum et proscenium at Apollinis, connected to the temple of Apollo, represented an important architectural project in ancient Rome, with a history involving prominent figures such as Julius Caesar and Augustus.
Julius Caesar initiated the project of this building expropriating a large area and demolishing the existing buildings to make room for proscenium. However, the work was then resumed and expanded by Augustus who expropriated additional land to allow the construction of an even more imposing and magnificent building.
This project testifies to the importance of the worship of Apollo in ancient Rome and the support of its emperors to this cult.
The Theatrum et proscenium of Apollinis, connected to the temple of Apollo, represented an important architectural project in ancient Rome, with a history involving prominent figures such as Julius Caesar and Augustus.
Julius Caesar began the project of this building by expropriating a large area and demolishing the existing buildings to make room for the proscenium. However, the works were then resumed and enlarged by Augustus who expropriated additional land to allow the construction of an even more imposing and magnificent building.
This project testifies to the importance of the worship of Apollo in ancient Rome and the support of its emperors to this cult.
The Theatre of Marcellus, probably completed around 17 B.C. and dedicated to the memory of Marcellus, grandson of the emperor Augustus, was an important cultural and recreational center of ancient Rome.
Initially built as a Roman theatre, the Theatre of Marcellus was a grandiose structure with a diameter of about 130 meters. The caveat, semicircular in shape, was supported by solid substructures in blocks of tuff, reticulated works, and bricks above which were arranged the white marble steps for the spectators.
The caveat, with its semicircular shape and white marble steps, provided seating for a large audience, while substructures in tuff blocks, lattice works, and bricks provided a solid structural foundation. The theater’s exterior façade, characterized by a triple order of arches on pillars, presented magnificent decorations, including colossal marble theatrical masks representing various theatrical genres such as tragedy, comedy, and satirical drama.
The scene, though of modest depth, was beautifully decorated with columns and statues of white and colored marble, while the two side classrooms provided additional space for theatrical performances. The presence of an apse behind the stage, erected to protect the theatre from the floods of the Tiber River, is an interesting detail that reflects the consideration of environmental challenges in Roman architecture.
The capacity of the theatre, estimated at 15,000 seats, with the possibility of extending it to 20,000 in case of need, demonstrates its vastness and its importance as a place of entertainment and entertainment in ancient Rome. The presence of bronze vases to improve the acoustics and the covering of the curtain added additional elements of comfort and functionality to the structure, making it one of the most remarkable and prestigious theaters of antiquity.
The capacity of the theatre, estimated at 15,000 seats, with the possibility of extending it to 20,000 in case of need, demonstrates its vastness and its importance as a place of entertainment and entertainment in ancient Rome. The presence of bronze vases to improve the acoustics and the covering of the curtain added additional elements of comfort and functionality to the structure, making it one of the most remarkable and prestigious theaters of antiquity.
During the imperial period, the theatre was restored by Vespasian and Alexander Severus confirming its importance and its continued use during the following centuries. However, with the passing of time and the political and social changes, the structure underwent several transformations: it was transformed into a fortress and became the property of Roman noble families such as Pierleoni and Fabi.
In the Renaissance, the Theatre of Marcellus was once again converted, this time into a palace commissioned by the Savelli from Baldassarre Peruzzi. Over the following centuries, it changed hands several times, until part of the Roman structures were acquired by the Municipality of Rome in the 1930s. Subsequently, it underwent excavation and restoration work, returning at least in part to the magnificence of the ancient theater.
The renovation of the area around the Teatro di Marcello, including the restoration of the passage that connects via Montanara with the Portico d’Ottavia and the Ghetto, represents an important effort to make accessible and enhance the archaeological and historical sites of Rome.
The reopening of the passage to the public, with free access, allows visitors to explore this historic area of the city without obstacles and to admire up close the magnificence of Roman architecture. The new pedestrian path has been carefully designed not to interfere with the archaeological remains and to improve the visiting experience by allowing visitors to get closer to the Theatre.
The proximity of the Theatre of Marcellus with the Temple of Bellona and the Temple of Apollo adds elements of interest to visitors.
The Temple of Bellona, built in 296 BC, was an imposing structure with six columns on the front and eleven columns on the long sides, erected on a high podium with a front staircase. Currently, only the cement core of the podium dating back to the Augustan era remains, which testifies to the importance and grandeur of the original building.
The Temple of Apollo, however, dates back to 431 B.C. and has undergone several restorations and reconstructions over the centuries. In the Augustan age, it was restored by Gaius Sosius with a structure similar to that of the Temple of Bellona, characterized by two side stairs. Currently, three Corinthian columns in white marble, rebuilt in 1940, provide an idea of the grandeur and elegance of the original building.
Both temples represent important testimonies of the architecture and religion of ancient Rome.
ADDRESS
Via del Teatro di Marcello
HOURS
The building is visible only from the outside
CONTACTS
Website Sovraintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali
How to get there: (we have chosen public transport)
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TEL: +39 06 48 49 17
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