Ancient Theaters

The ancient theatres

The Naples audio-guided tour points out to you the unusual curve of Via San Paolo, compared to the ancient grid of the city. It is explained by the presence, on either side, of ancient theatres now swallowed up in the modern urban fabric.

Swallowed-up theatres

Invisible at first glance, these theatres are nonetheless there, behind the facades of the buildings. On the left stood a large open theatre, able to hold up to five thousand spectators; on the right, an odeon, a smaller covered theatre, probably intended for musical and poetic performances. It is thought that they were built on Greek remains linked to the political and cultural life of Neapolis.

What there is to see

Little remains of the odeon, but remains of the great Roman theatre, of the Augustan era, survive and are revealed during guided tours, sometimes even in the cellars and basements of neighbouring homes. It was here, it is said, that the emperor Nero performed. These swallowed-up theatres bear witness to the richness of ancient Naples, beneath today's city.

Practical information

The ancient theatres are around Via San Paolo, in the historic centre of Naples, largely integrated into the modern fabric. Their discovery is mainly on guided tours, whose hours and conditions vary; it is best to check in advance. The curve of the street can be seen freely from the outside.

Why is Via San Paolo curved ?

Because it follows the outline of the ancient theatres swallowed up beneath the buildings, breaking with the regular grid of the city.

What remains of the ancient theatres of Naples ?

Remains of the great Roman theatre survive, sometimes in the cellars of neighbouring homes, and are discovered on guided tours.