Theatre of Marcellus: the "little Colosseum" next to the Ghetto

Updated on October 5, 2026

The Theatre of Marcellus (Teatro di Marcello) is a Roman theatre of the 1st century BC whose curved facade of two storeys of arches resembles the Colosseum, hence its nickname, the "little Colosseum". Begun by Julius Caesar and completed by Augustus, it was dedicated to his nephew Marcellus. It stands between the Capitoline Hill and the Ghetto district, next to the Portico of Octavia. The interior cannot be visited: the upper floors are now private apartments. But the facade can be seen freely from the street, at no cost, and the neighbouring ruins make it an easy stop on a walk through the centre. Allow 20 to 30 minutes.

Highlights

The arcaded facade

The ground-floor arches are Doric and those of the first floor Ionic; the ancient third level has vanished. This stacking of orders, later taken up at the Colosseum, is the monument's great interest. Estimates of its capacity range from 11,000 to 20,000 spectators, depending on the author.

The three columns of the Temple of Apollo Sosianus

Next to the theatre, three Corinthian columns standing on a podium belong to a temple of Apollo rebuilt at the end of the Republic. Together with the arches of the theatre they form one of the most photographed views of the district.

From ancient theatre to Orsini palace

In the Middle Ages the theatre became a fortress, then a residence of Rome's great families; in the 16th century the architect Baldassarre Peruzzi built a palace for the Orsini on top of the arches. It is this palace that dominates the facade you see today.

The neighbouring Portico of Octavia

A few steps away, towards the Ghetto, the ruins of the Portico of Octavia close the same ancient district: a good extension of the visit, with our guide to the Jewish Ghetto of Rome.

Practical info

Tips

The theatre cannot be visited inside: do not expect to go in. The facade and its surroundings can be seen at any hour from via del Teatro di Marcello. The neighbouring archaeological area is listed as free, open 9:00-18:00 according to the Rome Superintendency, but its hours may change: check the official site before you go. For a better viewpoint, walk along the facade on the Capitoline side, then return via via del Portico d'Ottavia. Wear good shoes: the cobblestones are uneven.

How to get there

Via del Teatro di Marcello, 00186 Rome, at the foot of the Capitoline Hill. Bus stop Teatro Marcello, or tram 8 to Largo di Torre Argentina then a ten-minute walk. The nearest metro station is Colosseo (line B), about a twenty-minute walk away.

Opening hours

Best: Late afternoon

Exterior freely visible every day, at any hour; archaeological area 09:00-18:00 (according to the Rome Superintendency, to be checked before your visit); theatre interior not open to visitors