Archaeological Park and Roman Theatre of Gubbio: A First-Century Roman Theatre
Site at a Glance
- Rating
- 4.5
- Popularity
- Low
- Country
- Italy
- Primary era
- Classical
- External website
- Open
- Eras represented
- Classical
- Civilizations
- Roman
- Site type
- Entertainment
- Remains
- Theatre
History
The Archaeological Park and Roman Theatre of Gubbio in Italy preserves the ruins of a first-century Roman theatre associated with Iguvium, the ancient town now known as Gubbio. Built during the Roman period, it was designed as a two-storey semicircular structure with 27 limestone arches and could accommodate nearly 6,000 spectators.
The theatre’s lower arcade contained a roofed corridor and a vomitorium, an architectural passage that allowed audiences to enter and leave the seating areas. Its original arrangement also included an orchestra pit, the area between the audience and stage, separated from the proscenium, the stage platform in front of the stage building, by a tall podium.
The layout visible today reflects restoration work undertaken during the past two centuries. The theatre is protected as part of Italy’s national heritage, while a nearby antiquarium, a museum for archaeological antiquities, displays finds from Gubbio.
