Theater of Marcellus (Teatro di Marcello) Tours
Though this ancient open-air theater resembles a mini-Colosseum, it was built nearly 100 years earlier during the final years of the Roman Republic. Named by the Emperor Augustus in 11 BC after his deceased nephew Marcus Claudius Marcellus, the theater may be the oldest surviving of its kind in the world.
The Basics
Visit the outdoor Teatro di Marcello to view its archways and tiers, arranged in a semicircle. Its third tier was lost in Medieval reconstruction, but you can see ornamental Doric and Ionic columns on the lower tiers. The theater once held up to 20,000 spectators and was one of the largest entertainment venues in the ancient city.
Like many ancient Roman ruins, the Teatro di Marcello is best appreciated on a guided archaeological tour. Join a small-group walking, Segway, or e-bike tour of Rome’s most important ancient sites, most of which include skip-the-line entrance to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus along with a visit to the outdoor Teatro di Marcello. A visit to the theater can easily be combined with a food tour of the nearby Jewish Ghetto.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The theater can be found on Via del Teatro di Marcello near the banks of the Tiber River and east of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto through the Portico d’Ottavia. The nearest metro stop is Colosseo.
When to Get There
The archaeological site is largely open-air, so visit when the weather is clear and not too hot. In summer, arrive first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.
The Colosseum: Big Brother to the Teatro di Marcello
Teatro di Marcello was built almost a century before the Colosseum, and there are differences. Where Teatro di Marcello was semicircular, the Colosseum's amphitheater forms a complete circle. The Colosseum held more than double the spectators, had an additional tier, and had a complex stage and underground technical area. The smaller Teatro di Marcello did offer a view of Tiber Island and pioneered the use of fired bricks in Roman construction.
The Basics
Visit the outdoor Teatro di Marcello to view its archways and tiers, arranged in a semicircle. Its third tier was lost in Medieval reconstruction, but you can see ornamental Doric and Ionic columns on the lower tiers. The theater once held up to 20,000 spectators and was one of the largest entertainment venues in the ancient city.
Like many ancient Roman ruins, the Teatro di Marcello is best appreciated on a guided archaeological tour. Join a small-group walking, Segway, or e-bike tour of Rome’s most important ancient sites, most of which include skip-the-line entrance to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus along with a visit to the outdoor Teatro di Marcello. A visit to the theater can easily be combined with a food tour of the nearby Jewish Ghetto.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most of Rome’s archaeological sites are open-air, so wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes on an ancient Rome tour.
- A visit to the theater is especially fascinating for Roman history enthusiasts.
- Due to the uneven and unpaved grounds, the outdoor site is not accessible to wheelchair users.
- The theater is no longer used as a venue, but small concerts are held on grounds with the structure as a backdrop.
How to Get There
The theater can be found on Via del Teatro di Marcello near the banks of the Tiber River and east of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto through the Portico d’Ottavia. The nearest metro stop is Colosseo.
When to Get There
The archaeological site is largely open-air, so visit when the weather is clear and not too hot. In summer, arrive first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.
The Colosseum: Big Brother to the Teatro di Marcello
Teatro di Marcello was built almost a century before the Colosseum, and there are differences. Where Teatro di Marcello was semicircular, the Colosseum's amphitheater forms a complete circle. The Colosseum held more than double the spectators, had an additional tier, and had a complex stage and underground technical area. The smaller Teatro di Marcello did offer a view of Tiber Island and pioneered the use of fired bricks in Roman construction.
Address: Via del Teatro di Marcello, Rome 00186, Italy
83 Tours and Activities to Experience Theater of Marcellus (Teatro di Marcello)
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Rome by Golf Cart Private Tour
Experience over 2,500 years of history on a private tour through one of the world’s most popular and influential regions—Rome’s beautiful historical district. Roam the streets of this city in a comfortable, covered, street-legal golf cart—providing access unavailable on foot. This family-friendly sightseeing tour offers a narrated journey of the palaces, monuments, churches, fountains, and statues that define the rich heritage of the capital and largest city in Italy.
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From
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Price varies by group size
From
$153.78
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Face masks provided for travelers
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Rome Small-Group Experience 8 Passengers maximum Civitavecchia Pick Up Included
Immerse yourself in Rome on this comprehensive all-day guided tour. The small-group excursion (with an eight-passenger minivan) allows you to enjoy the main attractions comfortably and easily. The itinerary includes visits to the Arch of Constantine, the Colosseum, Victor Emmanuel monument, Capitoline Hill, the Spanish Steps, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and more.
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Rome Jewish District Walking Tour
Rome might be most famous for its ancient ruins, but the Italian capital also has a rich Jewish heritage. On this 2-hour walking tour, see the remains of the former Jewish ‘ghetto’ and learn about its transformation into one of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods; visit the Porch of Octavia, and Tiberina Island; and sample traditional Jewish pastries.
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From
$98.42
Price varies by group size
From
$98.42
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
I Love Rome Hop On Hop Off Panoramic Tour
Explore Rome's museums, architecture and art with this hop-on, hop-off tour. Purchase a ticket and discover the city's charms at your leisure while riding on a cheerful pink double-decker bus. Don the provided headphones and enjoy recorded audio commentary in 13 languages for the 8 stops.
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Private Photo Tour and Workshop in Rome (Dusk to Dawn)
Skip the frustration of photographing crowded tourist spots in Rome on this private nighttime photography tour. Shoot iconic landmarks, squares, and backstreets during the night and the golden hour, when most visitors and locals are tucked up in bed. A guide will offer tips and advice on low-light camera settings, angles, and more, as well as sharing information on history, culture, and art.
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Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Rome Segway Tour: City Highlights
Glide along historic streets and picture-perfect piazzas on a Segway tour of Rome. Enjoy the personal experience of a small-group tour, and see some of the city’s most iconic sites. Circle Piazza Navona and pay your respects to ancient gods at the Pantheon, then visit the ultra-romantic Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Get a great overview of Rome’s history and culture as your guide narrates each stop, and take in the best of the city with a high-tech, low-impact means of transport.
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From
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3-Hour Bike Tour in Rome
With so much to see in Rome, a bike tour is an ideal way to cover lots of ground while saving your feet from fatigue. On this 2-wheeled tour, hop onto a quality bike and follow your local guide through the city’s most charming piazzas and interesting neighborhoods. Starting near the Colosseum, follow a route that takes you past ancient monuments like the Imperial Forum and along the Tiber River while your guide shares legends from the city’s rich history.
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From
$55.36
Price varies by group size
From
$55.36
Price varies by group size
Rome Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Tour
Avoid huge crowds and discover less-touristy but just as incredible areas of central Rome. Join this tour and hear some of the most romantic and tragic tales that the city has to offer.
With your expert guide, you will explore the historical Jewish Ghetto, home to the oldest Jewish community in Europe. Expect winding streets and a keen sense of tradition.
Then you will cross the oldest bridge in Rome and stop for a gelato in the picturesque area of Trastevere. Explore this beautiful neighbourhood famous for its artisanal shops, great restaurants, bars and scenery. You will also see one of the oldest churches in the city, before ending up at one of Rome's best evening-time piazzas
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From
$47.84
From
$47.84
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Rome City Bike Tour in Small Groups
Discover the highlights of Rome as you ride through millennia of history on a roughly 3.5-hour bike led by a knowledgeable guide. Pedal to the Coliseum and the Roman Forum, and check out the intricate Trevi Fountain, Castel Sant’Angelo and Spanish Steps. Learn about the architecture of Piazza Navona and hear informative commentary from your guide at each stop. Your small-group tour is limited to eight participants and proceeds at a leisurely pace with plenty of time for photo ops, providing a fun sightseeing tour of the Eternal City.
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From
$62.80
Price varies by group size
From
$62.80
Price varies by group size
Rome Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus and Colosseum Tour | Skip-the-line tickets
Combine the convenience of a guided tour with the flexibility of independent travel on a 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour of Rome. Along the way, enjoy a skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum and four optional walking tours, taking in sights such as Castel Sant’Angelo, Capitoline Hill, St. Peter Basilica, the Spanish steps, and the Pantheon.
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From
$88.43
From
$88.43
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Small-Group Segway Tour: Discover the Heart of Rome
Whiz through central Rome aboard a Segway during this express sightseeing tour. See a highlight reel of famous Rome landmarks aboard a 2-wheeled, self-balancing electric scooter that allows you to cover much more ground than you could on foot. Follow your guide past sites like Capitoline Hill, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum with a small group of four people or fewer. Use of all equipment is included; no experience necessary.
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From
$44.29
Price varies by group size
From
$44.29
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Rome Trastevere Tour by Segway
Roll through a charming labyrinth of narrow streets and antique piazzas on a 3-hour Segway tour of Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood. Discover the layers of history that have shaped this well-preserved pocket and see its most captivating monuments such as Palazzo Corsini, Teatro Marcello, the l'Acqua Paola fountain and the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of Rome’s oldest churches. Travel much longer distances than you would on a walking tour, and easily scale a hill leading up to the Gianicolo lookout for panoramic Vatican views.
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From
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Roma's Night Segway Tour
Discover the dazzling beauty of Rome after dark on a nighttime Segway tour. Cruising through the sprawling city streets on a self-balancing electric scooter, cover much more ground than walking and stop often to enjoy the moonlit atmosphere and illuminated ancient landmarks. Escape the daytime crowds and heat, and see the romantic side of Rome that emerges in the evening as you glide past historic and modern highlights like the Colosseum, Capitoline Hill Piazza Navona and more.
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From
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From
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Rome in a Golf Cart 4 Hours History & Fun
Exploring Rome from the inside is simply the way to do it and if this is your first time here, well you’ve made the right choice! You will find that on this tour aboard our Delux Golf Cart, we will travel through small alleyways while showing you the most visited and genuine parts of this breathtaking city, stopping by historical residences, characteristic town squares, romantic, fountains and 6th century courtyards far from the typical tourist itineraries yet still situated in the heart of the city. During the 4 hours we will visit the Pantheon, Navona Square, the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, the Antique Opera House and to finish off the tour we will explore none other than the Colosseum. During your tour with us, you will enjoy driving around the characteristic inner streets made of cobblestones, I mean it will get a little bumpy, but the presence of antique doorways and romantic courtyards will make it seem as if you have just entered into another time.
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From
$529.70
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From
$529.70
per group
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Roman Holiday by Segway
Experience Audrey Hepburn’s Rome on a Segway tour. Spare yourself the tiring walking tours and skip the stuffy sightseeing bus. The easy-to-use eco-friendly Segway allows you to cover a huge amount of the city in the open air. Choose a start time that works for you, then follow your guide to the monuments featured in "Roman Holiday" and beyond.
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From
$96.12
From
$96.12
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Private Rome city driving tour.. with gelato!
Get an insider’s look at Rome’s top attractions on a 2.5-hour small group tour. Groups larger than six people enjoy complimentary headsets, so you don’t miss a word of your guide’s commentary. Make it an engaging experience and ask as many questions as you like. With widespread stops, including the Trevi Fountain, Piazza di Pietra, and Piazza Navona, the tour is a great opportunity to orient yourself to the city. Sample some of Rome's famous gelato to conclude your tour
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From
$244.82
From
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Rome's Catacombs Tour with Jewish Ghetto & Largo Argentina Walking Visit
Rome has so many special attractions waiting to be visited. By booking this tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the Saint Callixtus Catacombs, Saint Pietro in Vincoli Church, the Jewish Ghetto, Teatro Marcello & Largo Argentina.
The walking tour lasts for about 2h and half led by one professional tour guide providing you with useful insights about the attractions and it also covers the round-trip transportation from S. Pietro in Vincoli Square to Callixtus Catacombs and returning to Teatro Marcello.
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From
$61.51
From
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Enjoy Rome on a vintage Vespa (with a personal driver!)
During this unique, adventure-filled introduction to Rome, you'll discover top highlights in the Eternal City from the back of a vintage Vespa. Let someone else do the driving as you ride down picturesque city streets with your own personal chauffeur. Highlights include the thousands-year-old Colosseum, panoramic views from Aventino Hill, and a visit to the Spanish Steps, plus a stop for gelato or Roman street snacks.
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From
$201.88
From
$201.88
Flexible Private Tour of Rome with English Speaking Driver
Customize your own sightseeing itinerary of Rome on this private tour with a driver who will transport you to the attractions that interest you. Perhaps visit Palatine Hill, the Pantheon, Mouth of Truth, Circus Maximus, Piazza Navona or the many other historical landmarks that make up the Eternal City. Listen to commentary from the driver when you’re in the vehicle to learn more about Rome’s famous sights.
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From
$608.30
per group
From
$608.30
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Full day private guided tour of Rome by golf-cart & Colosseum and Roman Forum
See the highlights of Rome in a different way—on a golf cart that allows you to zip around the city. Spend the morning visiting churches, fountains, and lesser-known areas of the city. After lunch, skip the lines at the Roman Colosseum, saving time and stress. Then, it’s on to the Roman Forum and Palantine Hill to learn more about the city’s storied history. Sit back and relax as your private guide whisks you everywhere you need to be.
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From
$448.54
Price varies by group size
From
$448.54
Price varies by group size
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
2-hour Private Vespa Tour of Rome
Experience Rome like a local on the back of a classic Vespa scooter. Take in all the highlights of the Eternal City on this private tour; see sights such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, Piazza Venezia, and Palatine Hill; and stop to enjoy Roman snacks like a traditional gelato at one of Rome’s top gelaterias.
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From
$163.62
From
$163.62
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Rome by Night Segway Tour
See Rome’s most iconic sights illuminated on a 3.5-hour small-group Segway tour through the heart of the city. Learn to steer your self-balancing, low-impact ride, then immerse yourself in Roman history and culture. Glide through the streets of the Jewish Ghetto, visit Piazza Navona and throw coins into Trevi Fountain. See the Colosseum’s arched exterior at its most dramatic, as golden light throws the pale stone into sharp relief, pass the towering pillars of the Roman Forum and slip into the Pantheon to pay your respects to Rome’s ancient gods.
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From
$75.61
Price varies by group size
From
$75.61
Price varies by group size
2-Hour Panoramic Segway Tour of Rome
Rome is a sight to behold from any angle, with its ancient monuments and Renaissance architecture. On this Segway tour, cruise along cobbled streets and through bustling piazzas in search of the Eternal City’s most spectacular viewpoints. Head for the hills for unparalleled vistas of the Tiber River and Rome’s dome-dotted cityscape; discover a secret spot from which to see St. Peter’s Basilica; and get panoramic views of Circus Maximus, the Colosseum, and other star attractions. This small-group tour is limited to just six participants, ensuring you receive personalized attention throughout.
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From
$61.51
Price varies by group size
From
$61.51
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Small-Group Rome Jewish Ghetto Tour
Go back in time on a walking tour of the historic Roman-Jewish Ghetto, established in 1555. Your guide eliminates the hassle of navigating on your own, bringing you to the area’s most popular destinations. Visit the open-air Theater of Marcellus, Bernini’s turtles in Mattei Square, the Synagogue, and the Jewish Museum before stopping for a taste of Roman-Jewish cuisine.
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From
$104.57
From
$104.57
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