Theatre of Marcellus

From a distance, it looks like a miniature Colosseum, its grand ancient arches rising majestically from the street. But as you draw closer, something remarkable comes into view—the very top of this ancient Roman theater is crowned with apartments where people actually live today.

A Living Monument of Ancient Rome

The Theatre of Marcellus dates back to the closing years of the Roman Republic, completed in 13 BC under Emperor Augustus. Originally, it was one of the city’s largest open-air theaters, hosting thousands of spectators for plays and performances beneath the Mediterranean sky.

Over the centuries, as empires rose and fell, the theater’s massive stone structure found new life. By the Middle Ages, it had become the foundation for fortress-like residences, and later, elegant Renaissance apartments were built right atop the ancient ruins. Today, those homes still perch above the centuries-old arches—Rome’s history quite literally supporting modern life.

Where Past and Present Coexist

Seeing locals come and go from their homes above the ancient theater is a surreal reminder of Rome’s unique charm. Few places in the world blend antiquity and the everyday so seamlessly. The Theatre of Marcellus isn’t just a relic to be admired from afar—it’s a living, breathing part of the city, where Roman stones and Renaissance palazzi form a single, striking silhouette against the sky.

If you’re visiting Rome, make time to stroll by this incredible site, soak in its unusual beauty, and imagine the stories echoing within its walls—from ancient performances to modern lives unfolding overhead. In the Eternal City, history is never just in the past—it’s right above your head.