Rome Opera House (Teatro dell'Opera di Roma)

The Basics

The lavish auditorium holds up to 1,600 spectators; three of the tiers have theater boxes, while the uppermost two tiers have graduated rows of seating. The best way to experience the theater is during an evening concert, opera, or ballet performance, available between November and June. Daytime tours are also available once a week. Tours that focus on off-the-beaten-path Rome attractions typically stop to admire the 1920s exteriors of the theater.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Purchase tickets to performances in advance to ensure a seat and book a tour via the box office.

• The theater is accessible to wheelchairs, though some parts of the tour are not. Confirm accessibility in advance.

• Large bags and umbrellas must be checked into the cloakroom.

• The dress code for most performances is smart casual; evening dress is requested on opening nights and premiers.

How to Get There

The Teatro dell’Opera di Roma is located on Piazza Beniamino Gigli in central Rome, just steps from the main Termini train station. The opera house is easy to reach from locations across the city via metro A line; disembark at the Repubblica stop.

When to Get There

Though the Opera di Roma performance calendar runs year-round, performances are held in the opera house from November to June; in summer, performances are instead held in the Baths of Caracalla.

Other Performance Venues in Rome

In addition to the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, you can catch opera and classical music performances at St. Paul’s Within the Walls, known for its Three Tenors and Virtuosi dell'Opera di Roma concerts, and the Oratory of St. Francis Xavier del Caravita (Oratorio di San Francesco Saverio del Caravita), where combined opera and ballet performances are held.

Ways to explore

The lavish auditorium, decked out in golds, reds, and ornate architectural details, seats up to 1,600. Three of the tiers have classic theater boxes, while the uppermost two tiers have graduated rows of seating underneath the impeccable domed, frescoed ceiling.

Beyond attending an evening concert, opera, or ballet performance, available between November and June, the best way to experience the theater is on a daytime tour—they’re typically available every day of the week except Monday, barring special events. Tours that focus on off-the-beaten-path Rome attractions usually stop to admire the 1920s exteriors of the theater as well.

Accessibility

The theater is largely accessible to wheelchair users, although the Royal Box and Gallery are not step-free.

Age limits

None, though keep in mind the formality of certain events

What to pack

Opera glasses/binoculars, layers in case the theater gets cold or hot

What to wear

The dress code for most performances is smart casual. Opening nights and premieres veer fancy.

Not allowed

Photography, videography, food and drink, smoking, use of mobile phones

Amenities

Bar, cloakroom, accessible facilities

Address

Forming a triangle with the Pantheon and the Colosseum, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma is easily accessible within the city.

Driving

Driving in central Rome is challenging due to traffic, limited traffic zones, and scarce parking. If you must, the Garage Mediterraneo on Via Massimo D’Azeglio 12 offers a 50% discount on hourly fees for theatergoers.

Public transportation

This is your best bet. Take Metro line A to the Repubblica Teatro dell’Opera station, which is just steps from the theater. A dozen-plus bus lines serve the theatre, too.

Best times to visit

Weekday evenings are ideal for performances, which typically start around 8pm. Guided tours of the theater are available in the mornings and afternoons, Tuesday to Friday, and on weekend mornings.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.

Best months to visit

The main theater season runs from November to June. In summer, shows run at the outdoor Terme di Caracalla.

Special events

Special performances on opening nights and premieres feature plenty of brouhaha and are a great excuse to get gussied up—check the theatre’s seasonal lineup for dates.