Great Theatre of Pompeii

The Great Theatre was already built in the Samnite period, with its cavea resting on the side of a small hill, using the natural slope to seat the spectators. In the 2nd century BC it was rebuilt and later restored and enriched with Augustan-age decoration. We like sitting on the steps and imagining the murmur of the ancient audience.Greek and Roman comedies and tragedies were staged here. Even today the theatre comes back to life in summer with festivals devoted to ancient drama: if you happen to be here in the right season, we recommend seeing a performance in this place, where the stage has roots going back over two thousand years.