Roman Theater Volterra

In Tuscany, near Volterra to be precise, you will find another Roman theater. In Tuscany this is one of the few that can still be seen.

Although it is considered a Roman theater, the structure was not built by the Romans themselves. The Etruscans are responsible for this. However, they did use the style of the Romans. It was probably built in the first century BC.

Teatro Romano di Volterra was also situated on a slope. That was a clever idea, because that's how the grandstand was supported! Two corridors led to this grandstand, also called cavea. The bathhouse was built under the amphitheater with stones from the now disused building.

The theater was used until, probably, the fourth century AD. After that, the ravages of time took possession of the structure. In the Middle Ages, the stones and columns that were left were used to make new buildings. Incidentally, baths were also built when the theater was already out of use!

As is so often the case, this mighty structure (or its remnants) also disappeared underground. It was in the 20th century that the theater was rediscovered when people wanted to build a football field.

The mighty structure was excavated in 1951. This was done by, among others, the local archaeologist Enrico Fiumi. They excavated not only the theater but also the surrounding buildings. Part of the theater has subsequently been restored. This gives you an idea of what the theater once must have looked like.

You can also view the theater and take a walk through the catacombs.

Willem Vandenameele