Roman Theatre & Castel San Pietro

An ancient theatre still staging summer performances, with the city's definitive view waiting up the hill behind it.

Price: From €4.50 theatre and museum
Hours: Tue–Sun 8:30am–7:30pm, closed Mon
Avg. visit: 1.5–2 hours including the climb
Book ahead: Not usually needed except for performances

Built into the hillside on the far side of the Adige from the historic centre, Verona's Roman theatre predates the Arena and originally hosted a similar mix of civic performance and public gathering. Unlike the Arena, it fell out of active use for long stretches of history and was substantially built over by later structures before archaeological excavation in the 19th century began recovering its original form.

An archaeological museum now occupies the former monastery that sits directly above the theatre, itself built partly using material recovered during excavation. From the museum level, a path continues climbing — either on foot or via a funicular — to Castel San Pietro, a fortress site with an Austrian-era barracks building, whose terrace offers what many locals consider the single best view back over the entire city.

Roman Theatre & Castel San Pietro, Verona

Inside

What to see

The Roman theatre itself, still used for a summer season of Shakespeare performances and dance
The archaeological museum in the former monastery directly above the theatre
The Castel San Pietro terrace, with a sweeping panorama over Verona, the river loop and the Arena in the distance
The Austrian-era barracks building at Castel San Pietro, a later addition to the historic fortress site

Practical

Good to know

The funicular from behind the theatre saves a genuinely steep climb up to Castel San Pietro — a real time and energy saver.
Sunset is widely considered the best moment to be on the Castel San Pietro terrace, with the city lit low and warm.
The theatre hosts a summer performance season, meaning some daytime access may be limited around rehearsals and performances in that period.

Timing

When it's busiest

Morning: Quiet
Midday: Moderate
Afternoon: Moderate
Sunset: Busy — worth it

Nearby

Combine your visit

Across the river

Castelvecchio & the Scaliger Bridge

Cross back to the fortified castle and its own bridge over the Adige.

Visit →

Across town

Arena di Verona

Compare Verona's older theatre with its larger, more famous amphitheatre.

Visit →

Across town

Torre dei Lamberti

See the city from a second, more central vantage point.

Visit →

FAQ

Common questions

Is the Roman theatre older than the Arena?

Yes, generally considered to predate it, though both are ancient Roman constructions from the city's early imperial period.

Do I need the funicular, or can I walk?

Either works — the funicular saves a steep climb, but walking is entirely possible for those who prefer it.

What's the best time to visit?

Sunset, for the view from Castel San Pietro, though the theatre and museum are worth visiting at any time of day.

Is the theatre still used for performances?

Yes, it hosts a summer season of Shakespeare and dance performances, which may affect daytime access during that period.