Opera at the Circo Massimo 2026 (Teatro dell'Opera Summer Festival) — Rome, June 2026

For decades the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma has moved outdoors for the summer, and in 2026 it stages its open-air festival at the Circo Massimo, the vast grassy hollow of the ancient Roman chariot-racing arena beneath the Palatine Hill. With the Terme di Caracalla, its long-time summer home, under restoration, the festival relocates to this monumental setting, building a temporary stage and seating for thousands beneath the Roman sky.

## What to expect

Running from late June to the end of July, the programme brings together grand opera, ballet and orchestral evenings performed by the company, its orchestra and chorus. The 2026 season centres on a new staging of Verdi's Aida, alongside Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet, a Roberto Bolle and Friends gala, and Orff's Carmina Burana, with performances spread across the summer weeks. Shows begin in the evening, usually around 9pm, when the heat has eased and the ruins take on a floodlit drama that few concert halls can match.

Performances are seated and ticketed, so book ahead through the opera house for the dates you want; evenings can cool after dark, so bring a light layer, and arrive early to take in the setting before curtain-up.

The opera season is performed open-air at the Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo) in central Rome. Fly into Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and take the Leonardo Express train to Termini, or use Ciampino (CIA) with a shuttle bus. From Termini, ride Metro Line B two stops to Circo Massimo station, right beside the ancient chariot-racing ground where the stage is built. The venue is also a short walk from the Aventine and the Colosseum. Performances start after dark, so plan your return metro or a taxi for the late finish.