Volterra Roman Theatre
Toscana
The Roman Theatre of Volterra, uncovered in the 1950s near Porta Fiorentina in the Vallebuona area, is a remarkable example of Augustan-era architecture. Constructed at the end of the first century BC and financed by the wealthy Caecina family, it was partially built into a natural hillside slope, reminiscent of Greek theatres. The theatre could seat approximately 3,500 spectators on limestone seats, some engraved with names of prominent local families. Its impressive scaenae frons was nearly 16 meters tall, featuring two stories with Corinthian columns and decorated with statues of Emperor Augustus and Empress Livia. The orchestra was paved with colored marble, and the theatre was equipped with a velarium, an ancient awning system providing shade. After falling into disuse by the late third century, a public bath was constructed behind the stage area. Today, the theatre is an archaeological site open to visitors and serves as a venue for an annual international festival founded by actor-director Simone Migliorini, celebrating theatrical and cultural heritage.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit during the summer months to experience the International Festival held in the ancient theatre. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the official museum website to avoid queues. The site is accessible via Porta Fiorentina and offers insight into Roman architecture and local history. Modest discounts may be available for students and seniors. Comfortable footwear is recommended due to uneven ancient stone surfaces.
Interesting facts
- •The theatre's seats bear inscriptions with names of influential Roman families such as the Caecinae, Persii, and Laelii.
- •The scaenae frons was unusually tall at nearly 16 meters and featured Corinthian columns over five meters high on two levels.
- •A velarium, an ancient awning system, was installed to provide shade to spectators; some original corbels supporting it are still visible.
- •The excavation team included psychiatric hospital patients who worked as part of ergotherapy, a therapeutic labor practice.
- •The theatre hosts an annual International Festival, founded by Simone Migliorini, celebrating performing arts in the ancient setting.
History
The Roman Theatre of Volterra was built in the late first century BC during the Augustan period, financed by the Caecina family.
It was constructed partially into a hillside, an architectural choice influenced by Greek theatres.
The theatre was used until the late third century AD, after which it was abandoned and a public bath was built nearby.
Rediscovered in the 1950s through excavations led by Enrico Fiumi, the theatre's restoration included contributions from psychiatric hospital patients as part of therapeutic work.
Since then, it has been preserved as a significant archaeological site and cultural venue.
Place Guide
Cavea (Seating Area)Late 1st century BC
The cavea consists of limestone seats arranged in a semicircle, with some seats engraved with names of prominent Volterran Roman families, reflecting social hierarchies of the time.
Scaenae Frons (Stage Front)Late 1st century BC
The elaborately designed two-story scaenae frons stretches nearly 36 meters wide and rises about 16 meters high, decorated with Corinthian columns and statues of Emperor Augustus and Empress Livia. It served as the backdrop for performances.
OrchestraLate 1st century BC
The orchestra area in front of the stage was paved with colored marble, indicating the theatre's luxurious status and aesthetic refinement.
Velarium Support CorbelsLate 1st century BC
Corbels with holes for poles that supported the velarium awning are still visible around the cavea, illustrating ancient engineering to provide shade for spectators.
Public Baths (Thermae)3rd-4th century AD
Built in the third to fourth centuries AD behind the stage area after the theatre fell out of use, these baths reflect the site's continued public function in late antiquity.
Contact
Phone: 0588 87257
