Roman theatre of the late first century BC, buried under medieval houses until excavations in the 1830s by Andrea Monga. The archaeological museum above preserves mosaics, bronzes and sculpture.
The Teatro Romano di Verona sits on the left bank of the Adige in the Veronetta district, built into the slope of Colle San Pietro opposite the historic centre. It dates from the late first century BC, in the Augustan period, when Verona was a flourishing Roman colony on the Via Postumia. The theatre followed the standard Roman model: a semicircular cavea cut into the hillside, a stage building, and an orchestra for the officials and notables. Over the centuries the structure was buried and built over; medieval and later houses, a convent and gardens covered the seating. In the 1830s the Veronese scholar and patron Andrea Monga purchased the houses and began excavating, uncovering the cavea and parts of the stage and returning the monument to public view. Visitors today can climb the tiers of seating, see the surviving arcaded structure and view the river and the Ponte Pietra from the upper terrace. Above the theatre, in the former convent of San Girolamo, the Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano displays mosaics, bronzes, sculpture and inscriptions from Verona and its territory, arranged on the terraced levels of the hill. The archaeological character of the site is layered: Roman construction, medieval overbuilding and nineteenth-century excavation are all legible in the masonry. Conservation work has stabilised the stone and the terraces, and the cavea is used in summer for the Estate Teatrale Veronese programme of theatre and jazz, so the building is a working venue as well as a monument. The visit moves upward through the terraces rather than following a strict chronological sequence, ending at the museum floors. The site is reached on foot across Ponte Pietra, and a lift and funicular-style access options have varied over time, so current arrangements should be confirmed with the museum before visiting.
| Admission | Adult EUR 4.50 (~$5.18); reduced EUR 3 (~$3.45) · Child Reduced rate |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue-Sun about 8:30AM-7PM, Mon 1:30PM-7PM; museum floors may close earlier (confirm at museiverona.com) |
| Address | Regaste Redentore 2, 37129 Verona VR |
Why it matters
Augustan-era theatre built into the Colle San Pietro, used again in the 19th century after excavation and now hosting summer theatre and jazz.
Location
Regaste Redentore 2, 37129 Verona VR
45.4474, 11.0016 View on map
Highlights
- Climb the Augustan-era cavea cut into the Colle San Pietro hillside
- See traces of medieval houses that once buried the theatre
- Enjoy the view of the Adige and Ponte Pietra from the upper terrace
- Visit the archaeological museum in the former convent above the stage
- Attend summer theatre and jazz performances in the ancient seating
Tips for visiting
- Cross Ponte Pietra on foot for the most atmospheric approach
- Combine the theatre with the museum, which is included in the same ticket
- Check museiverona.com for the summer performance schedule
- Visit in the late afternoon for softer light over the river
- Wear sturdy shoes for the steps and sloped terraces
When to visit
Late afternoon in spring and early autumn is pleasant. Summer evenings suit performances.
Accessibility
The cavea and upper terraces involve steps and steep slopes, so access for wheelchair users is limited. Visitors with mobility needs should contact the museum in advance.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Visitors typically need about 60 to 90 minutes for the theatre and the museum together.
Can the site be visited with children?
Yes, reduced rates apply for children. The terraces and steps are steep, so supervision is advisable.
Is the site English-language friendly?
Information panels are generally available in Italian and English, and the museum website offers English-language information.