If you walk between the Capitol and the Bocca della Verità, you may well pass it unnoticed.

Yet it stands next to one of the oldest monumental buildings in ancient Rome.

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Teatro Marcello is often referred to as the "little Colosseum". One look and the resemblance is clear. The rows of arches and the well-preserved structure are indeed reminiscent of the more famous Colosseum.

With only one difference.

While crowds of tourists stream past the Colosseum, it's often surprisingly quiet here.

What is the Teatro Marcello?

The Teatro Marcello is an ancient theatre completed around 13 BC during the reign of Emperor Augustus.

Unlike the Colosseum, gladiatorial fights were not held here. The theatre was used for theatrical performances, musical performances and public events, and at the time held approximately 15 to 20 thousand people.

Moreover, the Teatro Marcello is older than the Colosseum and it was similar ancient buildings that later inspired the architecture of Roman amphitheatres.

Is it possible to go inside?

This is good to know in advance.

No.

If you're expecting a smaller version of the Colosseum where you walk through the stands or galleries, you'll probably be surprised.

The Teatro Marcello today functions mainly as an outdoor monument. You walk around the building and the main experience is just looking at the well-preserved ancient structure.

To be honest, I didn't quite realise this before my visit and automatically expected the possibility of going inside.

People normally live upstairs

When you look up, you can see the windows of the historic palace.

Yes - right on top of an ancient building.

A residential palace was built here in the Middle Ages and people still live here normally today.

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Practical information

Admission

• Free (you can only see the building from the outside from a normally accessible street)

How much time to set aside

• 5-10 minutes

Works well in combination

• Capitol
• Jewish Quarter
• Bocca della Verità
• Isola Tiberina

What to see around

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