Across the Adige from the old town, the Roman Theatre is one of Verona’s most rewarding and least crowded sights. It was built in the late first century BC, in the age of Augustus, against the slopes of the hill of San Pietro, so that the audience looked out over the river towards the city. Much of the seating was rebuilt or put back in place in the early twentieth century, and today the theatre is used again every summer for the Verona Theatre Summer festival. Above it, reached by stairs and terraces, the Archaeological Museum occupies a fifteenth-century convent, with Roman mosaics, inscriptions, sculpture, bronzes, glass and columns from the Arena displayed in the old cells and cloister. The real highlight is the view from the Great Terrace, which takes in Ponte Pietra, the river and the towers and domes of the city in one sweep.
How it works: the Roman Theatre and Archaeological Museum share one ticket and are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from mid-morning to early evening, with last entry half an hour before closing. They are closed on Mondays, apart from extra openings such as Monday 7 December 2026, and on 25 December and 1 January. Entry is free with the VeronaCard. From spring, structures for the summer performances are set up in the theatre and some visiting paths change.
Getting there: cross Ponte Pietra, the Roman bridge rebuilt after the Second World War, from the old town near the Cathedral, and the entrance is on the riverfront a few steps away. Above the theatre, a funicular and a stepped path climb to Castel San Pietro, the best free viewpoint in Verona; the funicular is not included in the VeronaCard.
Good to know: the museum is not accessible to visitors with mobility difficulties because of its stairs, although the theatre seating can be reached by a ramp. Small dogs are allowed only in carriers. Allow time for the climb and come in the late afternoon for the best light on the city from the terrace, then continue up to Castel San Pietro for sunset.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to an open-air Roman theatre and a hillside museum in a former convent, ending on a panoramic terrace.
Best time
Late afternoon, for warm light on the city from the Great Terrace, followed by sunset at Castel San Pietro above.
How long
About an hour to an hour and a half, plus time for Castel San Pietro if you continue up the hill.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for the many steps, remember it is closed on Mondays and cross Ponte Pietra on the way for the classic river view.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers, photographers and anyone who wants a quieter Roman site with a superb view.
- Families
- Children enjoy the stone seats and the climb, but the stairs make it hard work with a pushchair.
- Couples
- The terrace view over the river, followed by sunset at Castel San Pietro, is one of the most romantic walks in Verona.
- Pair with
- Ponte Pietra and the Cathedral on the old town side, then the funicular to Castel San Pietro.
- Time needed
- About an hour and a half, or a half day with Castel San Pietro.
Good questions
How old is the Roman Theatre in Verona?+
It was built in the late first century BC, under the emperor Augustus. Much of the seating was rebuilt in the early twentieth century.
Is the Roman Theatre open on Mondays?+
No, it is closed on Mondays, except for a few extra openings such as 7 December 2026. It opens Tuesday to Sunday.
Is the Archaeological Museum included with the theatre ticket?+
Yes, one ticket covers both the Roman Theatre and the Archaeological Museum above it. Both are free with the VeronaCard.
How do you get to Castel San Pietro from the Roman Theatre?+
A funicular and a stepped path climb from near the theatre to Castel San Pietro. The funicular has its own ticket and is not included in the VeronaCard.
Is the Roman Theatre accessible?+
The theatre seating can be reached by a ramp, but the museum is not accessible to visitors with mobility difficulties because of its stairs.
