Velia (modern Elea or Novi Velia, Italy)
Ancient City
Location
Theatre Type
Earliest Date
4th century BCE (Ancient Greek); 3rd century CE (Roman and current ruins)
GPS Coordinates
Seating Capacity
Dimensions
Cavea Width: 48 meters
Orchestra Width: 15 meters
Summary
The theatre at Velia (modern Novi Velia, ancient Elea, Italy) is a Roman theatre built over earlier Greek foundations; the cavea measures 47.5 meters in diameter with 19 rows of seating arranged in 6 cunei (wedge-shaped sections); the structure faces southeast, providing views of the Tyrrhenian Sea; estimated seating capacity is approximately 3,000 spectators; the orchestra has a diameter of 14.5 meters; construction dates to the 3rd century CE Roman period, replacing a 4th century BCE Greek theatre; current condition shows good preservation with the stage building partially intact and cavea well-defined, having undergone restoration in 2003 and 2021 under the direction of Luigi Di Muccio.
Velia (modern Elea or Novi Velia, Italy)
Author: Thomas Hines, 2024
The ancient city of Elea was founded around 540 BCE by Greek colonists from Phocaea, who were fleeing a Persian invasion (“The Excavations of Velia”). These Greek settlers established their city on a promontory that commanded the Tyrrhenian Sea, strategically positioned on the trade routes between Greece and Etruria (“Archaeological Area of Velia”). Elea became renowned as the center of the Eleatic philosophical school, founded by Parmenides and continued by philosophers including Xenophanes, Zeno, and Leucippus (“Archaeological Area of Velia”). The city allied with Rome in 273 BCE and was incorporated as a Roman municipium in 88 BCE, after which it was known by the Latin name Velia (“The Excavations of Velia”).
Brief History of the Theatre
The earliest theatre at Elea dates from the 4th century BCE but the current ruins are Roman and date from the 3rd century CE (Sear 145). The Roman theatre was constructed directly over the remains of the earlier Greek structure, incorporating elements of the pre-existing building into its foundations and design (“Excavations of Velia”).
The theatre’s remains can be found on the city’s acropolis just below the remains of a 1189 CE Norman watchtower (Torre di Velia). The tower’s remains are quite prominent and are an easy method of locating the ancient city’s acropolis. Find the tower and you will find the recently restored theatre.
A moderately steep, dirt walking path with stairs leads to the acropolis summit and the restored Roman theatre. The 4th century, Greek theatre no longer exists and much of the Roman theatre that replaced it was incorporated into the Torre di Velia tower and the Palatine Chapel (Cappella Palatina). The Roman theatre has been partially restored; first in 2003 and more recently in 2021. The 2021 theatre restoration project was completed under the direction of Luigi Di Muccio, and the theatre as well as the remains of ancient Velia are under the direction of the Archaeological Park of Paestum and Velia. Since 1998, the site was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, along with the nearby sites of Paestum.
Architectural Specifications
The following specifications are drawn from Frank Sear’s reference book, Roman Theatres: An Architectural Study (Oxford University Press, 2006), except where otherwise noted.
Location
- Modern city, Country: Novi Velia, Italy
- Orientation: Southeast-facing cavea
Cavea (seating area)
- Diameter: 47.5 meters (Sear 145)
- Estimated capacity: Approximately 3,000 spectators based on 19 rows of seating (“Unveiling the Secrets of Velia”)
- Seating divisions: 19 rows arranged in 6 cunei (wedge-shaped sections)
- Construction materials: Semi-circular cavea with analemmata (retaining walls) running parallel to the stage
- Built into the hillside overlooking the sea, providing excellent acoustics and stunning views of the surrounding landscape (“Unveiling the Secrets of Velia”)
Orchestra (performance space between audience and stage)
- Diameter: 14.5 meters (Sear 145)
- Shape: Semi-circular
- Materials: Stone construction typical of Roman theatre design
Pulpitum (stage)
- Dimensions: Scene building approximately 28 x 5 meters (Sear 145)
- Construction details: Incorporated into later medieval construction
- Stage machinery: No specific evidence preserved
Scaenae Frons (decorative scene house front)
- The stage building, or “skene,” is still partially intact (“Unveiling the Secrets of Velia”)
- Architectural order: Evidence suggests typical Roman theatrical decoration
- Doorways and stories: Standard Roman three-door arrangement likely
- Decorative elements: Much incorporated into medieval tower construction
Current Status
The theatre structure shows good preservation, with the stage building partially intact and the cavea well-defined (“Unveiling the Secrets of Velia”). However, exposure to the elements, urbanization, and the impact of tourism have taken their toll on the site’s delicate structures (“Unveiling the Secrets of Velia”).
Conservation Efforts
Significant efforts have been made to protect and preserve the site for future generations. The Italian government, in collaboration with local authorities and international organizations, has implemented a comprehensive conservation plan (“Unveiling the Secrets of Velia”). Walkways and viewing platforms have been installed to allow visitors to explore the ruins without causing damage, while sensitive areas have been closed off or restricted to guided tours (“Unveiling the Secrets of Velia”). The completion of extraordinary maintenance work in 2021 has made the theatre fully accessible to the public, representing a significant milestone in the site’s preservation and public engagement (Editorial Staff, “Velia Theater is now accessible”).
UNESCO Status
Since 1998, the site was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites as part of “Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula” (“Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park”). The theatre and the remains of ancient Velia are under the direction of the Archaeological Park of Paestum and Velia (“About us”).
The property benefits from three different levels of protection: national, regional and local, covered by Italian Legislative Decree no 42/2004 “Code for the Cultural Heritage and Landscape” (“Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park”). In Velia the Roman baths and the monumental Porta Rosa have been completely restored and conserved, together with the medieval tower on the acropolis (“Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park”).
Renovations / Excavations
Ancient Renovations
- 4th century BCE: Original Greek theatre construction
- 3rd century CE: Roman reconstruction built over the earlier Greek theatre
- The Roman period saw complete reconstruction of the theatrical space, adapting it to Roman performance traditions and architectural standards
- Medieval period: Partial incorporation into defensive structures and religious buildings
Major Excavation Campaigns
Early 20th Century Campaigns Systematic archaeological excavations began in 1921, bringing to light the architectural beauties and completely rebuilding the site plan (“Excavations of Velia”). These early excavations were part of broader Italian archaeological initiatives in southern Italy.
Mid-20th Century Research Archaeologist Mario Napoli discovered the famous Porta Rosa in the 1960s, and his work contributed significantly to understanding the site’s urban planning (“The Ancient City of Velia”). Mario Napoli, working under the broader program funded by the “Cassa per il Mezzogiorno,” made significant discoveries including the famous Tomb of the Diver in 1968 at nearby Paestum (“The Twentieth Century”).
Recent Research The University Federico II of Naples has undertaken excavations in two different areas of the site, focusing on reconstructing the chronology of the lower settlement from the end of the fourth century BC to the sixth century AD (“Archaeological Discoveries”). Modern investigations have employed geo-radar and geo-electrical surveys to understand subsurface structures (“Archaeological Discoveries”).
Excavation History and Publications
- 1921-1960s: Initial systematic excavations and site documentation
- 1960s: Mario Napoli’s major discoveries and publication of site guides
- 1973: Publication of Mario Napoli’s Guide to the Excavations at Velia
- Recent decades: University-led research programs with modern archaeological methods
Modern Restorations
The Roman theatre has been partially restored; first in 2003 and more recently in 2021. The 2021 theatre restoration project was completed under the direction of Luigi Di Muccio (Editorial Staff, “Velia Theater is now accessible”). These restorations have made the theatre accessible for modern cultural performances while preserving its archaeological integrity. However, recent conservation work has generated some controversy regarding methodological approaches and site management (Editorial Staff, “Paestum, big controversy”).
Bibliography / Resources:
“About us.” Parco Paestum e Velia, https://www.museopaestum.beniculturali.it/chi-siamo/?lang=en. Accessed 8 June 2025.
“Archaeological Area of Velia.” Parco Paestum e Velia, https://museopaestum.cultura.gov.it/area-archeologica-di-velia/?lang=en. Accessed 8 June 2025.
“Archaeological Discoveries and New Data from South Italy.” Archaeological Reports, Cambridge University Press, 2021, https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/archaeological-reports/article/6-archaeological-discoveries-and-new-data-from-south-italy/C7534E86AFEA0701AB317D17ED015C27. Accessed 8 June 2025.
Camardo, Daniela. “Archaeology and Conservation at Herculaneum: From the Maiuri Campaign to the Herculaneum Conservation Project.” Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites, vol. 8, 2007, pp. 205-214.
“Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula.” UNESCO World Heritage Centre, https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/842/. Accessed 8 June 2025.
Editorial Staff. “Paestum, big controversy over work at Velia theater Management clarifies.” Finestre sull’Arte, 23 Apr. 2024, https://www.finestresullarte.info/en/archaeology/paestum-big-controversy-over-work-at-velia-theater-management-clarifies. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.
Editorial Staff. “Velia Theater is now accessible to the public: extraordinary maintenance completed.” Finestre sull’Arte, 25 Mar. 2021, https://www.finestresullarte.info/en/archaeology/velia-theater-is-now-accessible-to-the-public-extraordinary-maintenance-completed. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.
“Everything is ready for Velia Theatre.” Villaggio le Palme, 1 Aug. 2017, http://www.villaggiolepalme.com/eng/tag/velia-theater/. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024.
“Excavations of Velia: Archaeological jewel of the Cilento National Park.” Visit Naples, https://www.visitnaples.eu/en/neapolitanity/walk-naples/excavations-of-velia-archaeological-jewel-of-the-cilento-national-park. Accessed 8 June 2025.
“The Ancient City of Velia.” Italia Slow Tour, 22 Jan. 2019, https://www.italiaslowtour.com/the-ancient-city-of-velia/. Accessed 8 June 2025.
“The Excavations of Velia, UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cilento National Park.” Summer in Italy, https://www.summerinitaly.com/guide/the-excavations-of-velia. Accessed 8 June 2025.
“The Twentieth Century.” Parco Paestum e Velia, https://museopaestum.cultura.gov.it/il-novecento/?lang=en. Accessed 8 June 2025.
“Unveiling the Secrets of Velia: A Journey Through Time in Campania, Italy.” History Tools, https://www.historytools.org/stories/unveiling-the-secrets-of-velia-a-journey-through-time-in-campania-italy. Accessed 8 June 2025.
Napoli, Mario. Guide to the Excavations at Velia. Translation of Guida degli scavi di Velia. Naples, 1973.
Sear, Frank. Roman Theatres: An Architectural Study. Oxford University Press, 2006.