Gubbio Roman Theatre
Umbria
The Roman Theatre of Gubbio, dating back to the 1st century AD, stands as a significant archaeological site in the Umbrian town of Gubbio, formerly known as Iguvium. The theatre's ruins feature limestone arcades originally forming a two-story semicircle with 27 arches, including a lower arcade with a roofed corridor known as a vomitorium. It was designed to seat approximately 6,000 spectators, with an orchestra pit separated from the proscenium by a tall podium. Restoration efforts over the past two centuries have shaped the present layout. The theatre is located in a grassy park just south of the SR298 highway near the historic town center. Adjacent to the theatre is an antiquarium museum that displays archaeological finds from Gubbio, providing visitors with deeper insight into the area's ancient past. During summer months, the theatre is occasionally used for outdoor performances, connecting visitors with its historical function as a cultural venue.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to check opening hours before visiting, as the theatre is closed on Mondays and may have restricted access during restoration periods. The best time to visit is during the warmer months when outdoor performances are held. Tickets can be purchased online with discounts available for EU citizens under 18 and other eligible groups. Note that only card and digital payments are accepted at ticket machines. Arriving early allows ample time to explore both the theatre ruins and the adjacent antiquarium museum.
Faits intéressants
- •The theatre originally had 27 arches forming a two-story limestone arcade.
- •It could seat nearly 6,000 spectators, making it one of the larger Roman theatres in the region.
- •The lower arcade included a vomitorium with a roofed corridor for efficient crowd movement.
- •The theatre is occasionally used for outdoor summer performances, reviving its ancient function.
- •An adjacent antiquarium museum exhibits archaeological finds from Gubbio, including items from the Roman era.
Histoire
The Roman Theatre of Gubbio was built in the 1st century AD during the Roman period when Gubbio, then called Iguvium, was a municipium of the Roman Republic.
The theatre was a major cultural venue designed to host nearly 6,000 spectators, reflecting the town's importance.
Over centuries, the structure fell into ruin but was subject to restoration efforts in the last two hundred years to preserve its remains.
Nearby archaeological finds, including the famous Eugubine Tables, highlight Gubbio's rich ancient heritage.
The theatre continues to be a symbol of the town's Roman past and cultural continuity.
Guide du lieu
Limestone Arcades1st century AD
The ruins feature two-story limestone arcades with 27 arches that once formed the semicircular seating area of the theatre.
Vomitorium and Roofed Corridor1st century AD
Located in the lower arcade, the vomitorium was a passage designed to allow quick exit and entry of spectators, covered by a roofed corridor for protection.
Orchestra Pit and Proscenium1st century AD
The orchestra pit was separated from the stage (proscenium) by a tall podium, a common architectural feature in Roman theatres to distinguish performance and audience areas.
Antiquarium Museum
Located adjacent to the theatre, the museum houses archaeological finds from Gubbio, providing context and artifacts related to the Roman period and the theatre's history.
Contact
Téléphone: 075 922 0992