Discover the Roman Theatre of Florence

After a long period of closure, the archaeological trail of Palazzo Vecchio, which includes important remains of the Roman theater of ancient Florentia, will reopen to the public from December 13.

Descending the steps that lead to the basement of Palazzo Vecchio is like taking a step back in time. We find ourselves in front of a series of layers dating from the 1st century BC (at the time of the founding of the Roman colony) to the 16th century. The theater, enlarged during the Hadrianic period, had a capacity of 10,000 people; the stage was at the back of Palazzo Vecchio (Via dei Leoni) and the cavea followed the slope of the current Via dei Gondi. It remained active until the 5th century AD and, starting with the crisis of the Roman Empire, the area gradually fell into a state of disrepair (in medieval times, many buildings were built on top of the ancient ruins). In 2010, at the conclusion of the archaeological excavations, the area was opened to the public for the first time.  

Guided tours will take place every Saturday and Sunday at 12:00 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. (ticket price €4). For information and reservations: info@musefirenze.it | 055-0541450 or at the ticket office of Palazzo Vecchio, where the tour begins.

If you want to learn more about the foundation of our city, check out the itinerary "the Roman Florentia".