Free guided tours of the Ancient Theatre of Neapolis in Naples

The Ancient Theatre of Neapolis, a Roman archaeological site dating to the 1st century BC in Naples' historic center, is now open to the public with free guided tours. Located near the upper decumanus, the theatre was built on the remains of a 4th-century BC Greek structure and is also known as the Roman theatre of Anticaglia. Historical accounts suggest Emperor Claudius staged comedies there in honor of his brother Germanicus, and Nero debuted an ode despite a violent earthquake. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the site was abandoned, became a medieval necropolis, and was later incorporated into buildings and partially demolished with the opening of vico Cinquesanti. In modern times, surviving spaces were used as cellars and storage until excavation began in the 2000s. From July 2024 to January 2025, extraordinary openings and guided tours are offered hourly by professional archaeologists from Apoikia in collaboration with Samoa, under the project "Il Teatro tra le Mura" of the Municipality of Naples. Reservations are required.