Roman theatre – a journey into the heart of ancient Aosta

History and Description

Built a few decades after the foundation of the city, around 25 B.C., the Roman Theatre of Aosta reflects the urban model spread by Augustan Rome even in the Alpine regions. Intended for public performances, the theatre features a southern façade 22 meters high, decorated with arches, superimposed rows of windows, and massive buttresses. Extending across three blocks adjacent to the city walls along Aosta’s main street, it covered an area of about 81 by 64 meters, with a cavea set within a rectangular enclosure, richly decorated stage walls (scaenae), and seating tiers that could hold between 3,000 and 4,000 spectators. In 1833, the theatre was almost dismantled to provide stone for the construction of Aosta’s city hall, but thanks to the intervention of Jean-Antoine Gal, who personally appealed to the king, the first archaeological excavations were instead initiated. Today, the site hosts concerts, performances, and the Aosta Christmas Market.

Curiosities

Together with another nearby structure, the theatre could accommodate about 1,000 people and even hosted the Mogol Award in 2011.

Access Information

Currently closed for restoration work expected to finish soon, the theatre is normally open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with an admission fee of €10, and free or reduced entry options available.

How to Get There

The theatre is located near Porta Praetoria, within the central archaeological zone, easily reachable on foot from the city center of Aosta.

Visiting this stage of time is an unmissable experience on any journey through the Aosta Valley!

Photo credits: Tenam2 (Wikipedia) – Licensed by public domain