An 'archeocinema' in Verona: ex Cinema Astra to become a visitable archaeological site

An archeocinema in Verona: discovery and redevelopment plans

Two decades of excavations have revealed, beneath the auditorium of the former Cinema Astra in Verona (opened in 1937), an extensive Roman complex dating to the imperial era. Wall structures exceed one metre in height in places, with painted plaster, decorated floors and traces of underfloor heating, leading commentators to describe it informally as a “small Pompeii”.

The building likely dates to the Augustan period and remained in use until the late 3rd / early 4th century AD, when an episode of fire-related destruction is visible in collapse layers. Current evidence does not definitively classify the complex as a private house or a bath building; scholars suggest a hospitality-related function with more than twenty rooms, several with well-preserved decoration.

The “Per Aspera ad Astra” project

The Ministry of Culture has initiated the “Per Aspera ad Astra” project to acquire and restore the property, returning it to public use as an integrated cultural centre. The plan aims to conserve the 20th-century architecture, develop the underground archaeological area into a visitable route and create a cinema space that complements the heritage.

Main aspects of the project:

• Conservation of the historic building while retaining original features;
• Exhibition design to integrate archaeological remains with multimedia and interpretive technologies;
• Active cultural use including screenings, events and educational programs;
• Planned duration: about 4 years; estimated investment: €7.5 million.

What to expect on a visit

• Decorated floors and painted wall plaster visible in several rooms;
• Structural remains with significant conservation, including heating installations;
• An underground archaeological route tracing the site’s history from the Augustan period to late antiquity;
• Exhibition spaces and a cinema venue that preserve the memory of Cinema Astra while activating the site.

Practical information for visitors

The site falls under the category of archaeological sites and will open to the public after restoration works conclude. For official updates on opening dates, ticketing and visitor services, check the Ministry of Culture and the regional Superintendency channels.

Visitor tips:

• Confirm opening hours and access procedures before visiting;
• Look for guided tours or multimedia routes to fully appreciate the archaeological context;
• Be aware of potential accessibility constraints in subterranean areas and arrange assistance if needed.

Why visit: the initiative offers an integrated model of heritage enhancement, combining archaeological research, urban history and contemporary cultural functions in a single site.