2000 years old and still being used. This is worth the long climb up to the top of Spoleto on its own. Throw in some great nearby restaurants and spectacular views. A must see if you're in the region.

The highlight of our recent visit to the Museo Archeologico Nazionale Di Spoleto was to be able to access and view the Roman Theatre up close. It is incredible to think that this structure, believed to have been constructed in the middle of the first century BC, is still used today for musical events. It was a real privilege to be allowed to wander this archaeological site.

One of the surprising things about this place is that it was identified relatively recently (something more than a century ago), and unearthed only a few decades ago; it had been underground for centuries after having been built at the time of Augustus emperor. Small but well proportioned and aesthetically beautiful. A good part of the stage is still below the ground as the adjacent Sant’ Agata church was built upon it a thousand of years ago; but drawings of it had been made already in the XVI century, and it was on that basis that it was identified at the end of XIX century…… luckily Italians are good at destroying but also at recording!
The damage it underwent during Roman times due an earthquake is still visible in the crack across the terraces, part of which were rebuilt using concrete.
Old but still working….. in summer time performances are held here during the well known Spoleto’s ‘Festival of Two Worlds’.

Sure, there are lots of bigger Roman arenas, but we found this one to be almost as interesting as the larger one in Nîmes. A Roman town had the amenities of Rome's larger cities on a smaller scale.

If you can, catch an evening performance there, but rent extra cushions to be comfortable. Depending on the weather, also bring something to keep you warm, just in case.

Wander through the access tunnels and stairs. Sit in the arena and imagine events once held here. Then visit the excellent museum that this is attached to it.