The heat of the long summer days in Rome make for pleasant evenings to venture out and enjoy a show or spectacle in one of Rome’s outdoor theaters. But these theaters are probably unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Take the ancient forum of Augustus as the backdrop for a highly-celebrated light and projection show. Or watch the Colosseum come alive as you witness the recreation of its 100-day inaugural celebration in 80 AD. Watch some of your favorite Hollywood blockbusters on big screens on Rome’s Tiberina Island or in one of its most treasured piazzas in Trastevere.

Here are 5 of our favorite outdoor theaters to check out in Rome this summer.

1. Tiberina Island

Cinema on Isola Tiberina

Known as the “Cinema del Isola” (Cinema of the island), the outdoor theater marks its 24th edition this year bridging history with multimedia innovation. Italian and international titles like The Greatest Showman and Sharknado 5 are among the films scheduled to be shown on the massive screen on the ancient Tiberina Island situated in the Tiber River. This year art shows, special screenings, and dialogues will accompany the outdoor theater to enrich the experience.

Tickets: €7 (€5 for children under 10)

Program: Visit the official website to purchase tickets online and view the updated film program.

2. Piazza San Cosimato

The free movie theater in one of Trastevere’s most beloved piazzas is an effort to bring free, community-driven activities to everyone.

Opening officially on July 2 after a long battle with city officials who kept the outdoor theater closed for the last 3 summers, once again you’ll be able to join local Trasteverini for movie night in the piazza. The initiative is completely free and headed by a team of about 20 young Romans committed to bringing free movie night to several piazzas around Rome. Both Italian and International films are shown

Tickets: Free Entry

Program: Visit the official website to view the updated film program.

3. Forums of Augustus and Caesar

Viaggi nei Fori is a spectacular light and multimedia show illuminating the history of the Forums of Augustus and Caesar

After several years of success the “Viaggi nei Fori” (Travel through the Forums) spectacle continues to delight visitors and bring the ancient imperial forums to life. In the Forum of Augustus, bleacher seating is available and wireless headphones allow the show to be narrated in 8 languages. For 40 minutes, the forum comes alive with a spectacular light and projection show illuminating the history of the very place your sitting, indicating specific columns, walls, and elements – where they came from and what they used to be. The Forum of Caesare is a 50-min walking experience that begins in Trajan’s Forum, leads you under Via dei Fori Imperiali and through the Forum of Caesar, narrated through headphones in 8 languages. Both forms of outdoor theaters are a must if you’re visiting Rome during the summer.

Tickets: Full price tickets are €15 for just one of the forums or €25 for both. Reduced fares available.

Visit the official website to purchase tickets online and view the show schedule.

4. The Colosseum

The new light and multimedia show ‘Sangue e Arena’ narrates the 100-day celebration of the Colosseum’s opening in 80 AD

We recently wrote about what’s new at the Colosseum this year, including the new show Sangue e Arena which recreates the 100-day inaugural celebration of the construction of the Colosseum in 80 AD. Historical accounts of the celebration illustrate a mega-party including gladiator and naval battles, exotic animals, and plenty of bloodshed. The show recreates this celebration artfully with state-of-the-art multimedia. Shows last 30 minutes with 3 per evening, starting at 9:30pm.

Tickets: Full prices is €20 with reduced fares available

Visit the official website for the show to purchase tickets online.

5. Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla serve as a unique backdrop each summer for both the Rome Opera and international artists and entertainers

The Baths of Caracalla are an expansive complex that show us today what the Roman baths looked like millenia ago. During the summer the Baths come alive at night as the unique backdrop to shows at a temporary outdoor theater. International names like dancer Roberto Bolle and artist Björk are scheduled to perform during the 2018 program.

Tickets: from €25, varies per show

Visit the official website to purchase tickets online and view the updated show program.

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Are you planning to visit any of the outdoor theaters listed above? Share your plans in the comments below!