Opera at the Circo Massimo (Teatro dell'Opera Summer Festival)
Teatro dell'Opera di Roma's open-air summer festival runs from late June to the end of July, with opera and dance; the latest season was at the Circo Massimo.
- Dates TBA
- Rome, Italy
- WhenThe Rome Opera's summer festival runs every year from late June to the end of July; the 2027 dates and venue (Circo Massimo again, or a return to the Baths of Caracalla) are usually announced in March.
- WhereCirco Massimo, Viale Aventino, 00186 Rome, Italy
- CategoryMusic & Performing Arts · open-air opera festival
- GuideOur Italy travel guide →
Teatro dell'Opera di Roma's open-air summer festival runs from late June to the end of July, with opera and dance; the latest season was at the Circo Massimo.
For decades the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma has moved outdoors for the summer. With the Terme di Caracalla, its long-time summer home, under restoration, the 2026 festival was staged at the Circo Massimo, the vast grassy hollow of the ancient Roman chariot-racing arena beneath the Palatine Hill, with a temporary stage and seating for thousands beneath the Roman sky. Whether the next season stays at the Circo Massimo or returns to Caracalla is usually confirmed when the dates are announced in March.
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 programme for each season is usually announced in March, 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.
Opera at the Circo Massimo (Teatro dell'Opera Summer Festival) in photos
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Getting there & around on event days
The opera season is performed open-air, most recently at the Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo) in central Rome; check the venue when the season is announced, as the festival's traditional home is the Baths of Caracalla. 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.
Where it happens
Getting to the event
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Safety & travel advice
- Before you go, read the UK government's FCDO travel advice for Italy (entry requirements, safety and local laws).
- Flight delayed or cancelled on the way? See our Travel Disruption guide for your rights and live alerts.