E.T.I. is one of the oldest and most elegant Roman theaters. Plays have been performed here since the beginning of the 20th Century. The repertoire is one of the most varied in Rome and includes classic productions with a modern twist.

Known as one of the most beautiful theaters in Rome, Teatro Belli occupies the former quarters of the Monastero di Santa Apollonia Church. The place is buzzing with cultural and theatrical activities.

To the east of the Roman Forum stands the remains of the Colosseum, probably the most visited ruins in the world.

The Colosseum was first called the Flavian Amphitheatre after the family name of the emperors Vespasian and Titus, under whose rule the building was constructed. Construction began in 72AD and was finished in 80AD, entailing over 100,000 cubic metres of stone, held in place not by mortar, but by iron chevrons. The amphitheatre was elliptical in shape, 189 metres long, 156 metres wide and 48 metres high. It was composed of three superimposed arcades with an attic on top of a podium. Below ground subterranean passages were used to bring men and animals into the arena. The tiered seating areas could hold up to 50,000 spectators.

The amphitheatre was used for public spectacles: mythological dramas, re-enactments of land and sea battles, animal hunts, public executions and, of course, the famous gladiators. Although popular belief states that early Christians were martyred here, it is unlikely. Records reveal that these unfortunates were executed in the Circus Flaminius. The idea that the Colosseum was where they died started in the 17th century.

In medieval times the amphitheatre was used as living quarters for a religious sect and for poor families, workshops, a fortress and a quarry, as people building houses in the area didn’t hesitate to take stones from the building. Later visitors got into the habit of chipping pieces away to keep as souvenirs.

Due to this stone theft and earthquakes, only the north side of the building now remains, as well as the underground passages which are now open to the public. Due to renovations over the years, the outside wall is in fact the original interior wall. A museum dedicated to Eros is to be found on the upper floor of the outer wall.

Teatro Brancaccio is a popular venue staging various type productions - theatrical plays, musicals, and concerts. Celebrities the caliber of Aldo Fabrizi, Louis Armstrong, and the Beatles have performed here.

Rebuilt from the ruins of what burnt down years ago, Ambra Jovinelli is one of the oldest theaters in Rome. The theater's reputation was that of a class venue with the best performances, finest actors and spectacular plays. Despite risking the chance of shutting down once, Ambra Jovinelli is back and how! The never die spirit of the Romans shine through this fine extension of art from within. With a new theater season lined up and a lot more to be added to the ever-growing cultural heritage, this theater will remain a classic.

If you are thinking of taking in an opera while you are in Rome, you couldn’t do better than to book your seats at the Teatro dell’ Opera on Piazza Beniamino.

This lovely opera house was built in 1880 by Achille Sfondrini, commissioned by Domenico Costanzi, after whom it took its first name: Teatro Constanzi. It had an amphitheatre, three tiers of boxes and a dome with lovely frescoes by Annibale Brugnoli. Costanzi struggled to keep the opera house going, in spite of its success, ploughing in most of his personal fortune and remaining an impresario until his death.

In 1926 the building was bought by the Council of Rome, who changed the name to the Teatro Real dell’ Opera. They hired Marcello Piacentini to renovate it; he demolished the amphitheatre and added another tier of boxes and a balcony. He also added new stuccowork decorations and the magnificent chandelier, which is over 6 metres in diameter and counts over 27,000 crystal teardrops. At this time, the entrance was moved from one side of the building to the other.

At the end of Italy’s monarchy, the “Royal” was dropped from the opera house’s name. In 1958 the Rome City Council once again hired Marcello Piacentini to remodel the façade and the foyer.