archeological area san pietro degli schiavoni – and teatro verdi

This archeological area of San Pietro degli Schiavoni is the most relevant witness of the importance that Brindisi had in the Roman world.  This in sharp contrast with the modern Nuovo Teatro Giuseppe Verdi, built above it and inaugurated on December 20, 2006.


Photo remains of Roman wall in Brindisi

glass floor revealing more than 2000 years of history

In the old Roman times, this site  was a very busy area thanks to the presence of a large street, bath-houses and many workshops. Nowadays, it is no less important: the same area hosts the new Verdi Theatre. This is one of the largest suspended theatres in Europe and also a cultural and community gathering place for the people of Brindisi.Below the theatre you can look at the Roman remains from above, thanks to a large glass floor revealing the 2000 years of history that are preserved beneath the theatre.

Photo of Roman excavations in  Brindisi below the Verdi theatr

scenes of roman life in the old brundisium

This archeological area of San Pietro degli Schiavoni is the most relevant witness of the importance that Brindisi (Brundisium) had in the Roman world. With its 50 x 10 meters of extension, the excavation tells us about  the Romans’ lives in the old town. The place had a large central street. Under it you can notice two gutters. The street was filled with many houses and shops, their entrances and their well-preserved mosaic and tile pavements are well preserved. The inhabitants of the houses in this area  must have been aristocrats, as we can deduce from the presence of the mentioned mosaic pavements and  from the presence of  the famous Roman thermaes.

teatro nuovo teatro giuseppe verdi

The Theatre Nuovo Teatro Giuseppe Verdi was inaugurated on December 20, 2006, with a concert directed by Maestro Riccardo Muti. The theatre with it's 1172 seats, is located in the city center of Brindisi, and has a surface area of 4500 square meters. The volume is 40 thousand cubic meters. The stage is one of the largest in Italy, being 25.50 m wide, 18 m high and 20 m deep. The architectural  choices Brindisi made here, have been subject of discussion since the opening.

Photo of the Verdi theatre in Brindisi Salento

how to get there 

This area can be found in the historical centre of Brindisi, bordered in the north by via Tarantini, in the south by via Maddalena, in the east by via Duomo and in the west by via Marco Pacuvio. It is best accessible on foot during a Brindisi City Walk.

The theater opening hours depend on the scheduled performances. The opening hours of the excavations are: from Monday to Friday: 8 am–4:30 pm. On Saturday and Sunday: 10 am–1 pm  and 4–7 pm. Times may vary depending the season and on holidays.

Photo of the Verdi theatre in Brindisi Salento, entrance for visiting Roman remains