Roman Theatre of Aosta

The Roman theatre in Aosta is another symbol of the city, built to impress those who came from Gaul to Rome. In fact, it was truly imposing: it could hold over 3,000 spectators. It was built in the time of Augustus, some time after the foundation of the city of Augusta Praetoria. The austere and grandiose remains, which occupy the area of an entire block over an area of 81.20 x 64.10 metres, include the façade wall, 22 metres high and arranged in several rows of windows, and the lower part of the cavea and stage. The north-facing tiers of the cavea reached up to the third row of windows of the perimeter wall. The frontispiece, probably two-storeyed, once had Corinthian ornaments. In the centre was the 'royal gate', flanked by the two side gates framed by avant-corps with columns and architraves. A portico probably connected the theatre to the 1st century AD amphitheatre, the remains of which can be seen in the courtyard of the 13th century convent of St Catherine.