Ancient Roman Theatre of Augusta Taurinorum
Why is it significant?
Lean over the archaeological viewing balustrade along Via XX Settembre to gaze upon the fascinating ruins of the Roman Theatre of Augusta Taurinorum, the only substantial classical entertainment arena preserved in Turin.
Key Facts
| Place | Ancient Roman Theatre of Augusta Taurinorum |
|---|---|
| Address | Via XX Settembre 88, 10122 Turin, Italy |
| Geo Coordinates | 45.07450, 7.68650 |
| Part of Walk | Royal Palaces, Shroud Cathedral and Roman Quarter: The Imperial Origins of Turin |
| Generated | Generated |
Lean over the archaeological viewing balustrade along Via XX Settembre to gaze upon the fascinating ruins of the Roman Theatre of Augusta Taurinorum, the only substantial classical entertainment arena preserved in Turin. Originally constructed around thirteen BC and significantly expanded during the late first century AD under the Flavian dynasty to seat more than three thousand spectators, the theatre was strategically nestled against the northeastern corner of the Roman defensive walls, close to the barracks and the main decumanus. Today you can clearly trace the semicircular tiers of the brick-and-cobblestone cavea, the orchestra floor where local senators and magistrates occupied privileged front-row seats, and the stone foundations of the stage wall with grooves that once held the wooden stage curtain. The ancient ruins contrast dramatically with the grand brick facade of the Royal Palace's Manica Nuova, home to the Galleria Sabauda art museum. Informational panels line the walkway, explaining how classical drama and imperial celebrations once animated this monumental cultural hub for Roman citizens and legionary veterans.
Imagine the original splendour of the imperial theatre: the stage backdrop was once clad in polished polychrome marbles quarried in the Susa Valley and adorned with statues of Greek gods and deified Roman emperors, providing an acoustic setting for performances of Plautus's comedies and Seneca's tragedies for the educated Roman colonists.
The theatre lay completely forgotten and buried beneath royal gardens for centuries until 1899, when excavation work for the foundations of a new wing of the Royal Palace accidentally uncovered the ancient stone tiers.
Notice the radial drainage channels visible in the orchestra floor: they were designed by Roman engineers to funnel autumn rainwater away from the stage and into the municipal sewer system flowing into the Po River.
Head west into the charming cobblestone lanes of the historic Quadrilatero Romano along Via Sant'Agostino.