The theatre

The Theatre of Pompeii is one of the most popular attractions in the ancient city of Pompeii.

Built in the Samnite era, it was entirely rebuilt in the second century B.C. Like many other buildings in Pompeii, it was damaged by the 62 A.D. earthquake before being covered by ash and lapilli from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.

The architecture of the Great Theatre

The theatre could accommodate up to 5,000 spectators and has a horseshoe shape. A hill was used to create the public steps. There are balconies for important guests among the steps.

The public was organized according to social classes, with the richest sitting in the lower ranks, where the view was best, and the least well-off sitting in the upper floors. Women were seated in the upper flight of steps.

Various types of comedy were performed inside the theatre, some of them in dialect, and mime was one of the people’s favourite forms of entertainment. The shows were free because they were financed by the most important figures who used them as a means of political propaganda.

How to visit the Great Theatre of Pompeii

You can visit the theatre by purchasing an entrance ticket to the park or by buying a ticket for an evening show during the theatre season.

If you choose to explore the entire park, enter via Porta Marina and follow Via dell'Abbondanza to the intersection with Via Stabiana. Turn right to reach the theatre.

Alternatively, you can access the theatre from Piazza dell'Anfiteatro by going down Via dell'Abbondanza, where you will find it on the left.

The Little Theatre of Pompeii: Odeion

There is another theatre, smaller than the one just described, called Odeion. Its structure is similar to that of the larger theatre, both in terms of the period of construction and the architectural style and shape.

Its perfect acoustics made it an ideal venue for musical performances with capacity for up to 1,300 people.