Marcello Theater

Built in the latter years of the , the Marcello Theatre is a historic open-air theatre in Rome. Dramatic and musical performances were presented at the Theatre of Marcellus for both residents and guests in its early years. Its historic structure, which is still one of Rome's numerous well-liked attractions for visitors, is located in the neighbourhood of Sant'Angelo. The theatre offers the visitors a view of its archways and tiers, laid out in a semi circle. The upper level of the Marcello Theatre is said to have been supported by Corinthian columns, but this is uncertain because the top tier of seats and the columns were removed during the Middle Ages' reconstruction of the building. It included windows that allowed viewers to observe the surrounding environment, in this instance the Tiber Island to the southwest, like other Roman theatres in appropriate sites. Visit the theatre and learn more about the history and culture of Rome with several places to see such as the Cavea and the Scaena. Today the theatre is used as a backdrop for several concerts that are held on the grounds in front of it.

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Campo Marzio, an area of Rome that has historically been devoted to theatrical performances, is where the Theatre of Marcellus is located. According to historical records, this theatre was a part of the Apollo temple in 179 AD (Temple of Apollo Sosiano, some of its columns are still visible). The Marcellus theatre, as it is today, was built in the first century AD. In the first century BC, Julius Caesar initiated the project and prepared the region, demolishing old structures as necessary.

As per archaeologists, the construction of the theatre was finished in 17 BC and was dedicated to Augustus' nephew Marcus Claudius Marcellus. Archaeologists discovered evidence of renovation work by Vespasian and Severus Alexander (III century), which led them to believe the theatre was respected and frequently visited.

The Marcello Theatre continued to be used for representation until the IV century. The Pierleoni and Fabi families turned the theatre throughout the Middle Ages into a kind of castle, taking advantage of its location only slightly above the river. The residential component of the complex, which is still visible today, was erected by Baldassare Peruzzi in the year 500 (the XVI century). It was initially owned by the Savelli family and then by the Orsini family. From the Middle Ages onward, archaeologists and historians believe a complete community with businesses housed next to the theatres' arches and a confusing network of streets, piazzas, and even churches formed around it. In the 1930s, Rome's city government purchased the theatre's older, lower section.

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