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Caposele Archaeological Area in Formia: a Roman theatre overlooking the sea
The archaeological area of Caposele is located in Formia, on the southern coast of Lazio, a stone’s throw from the small harbour of the same name. It is what remains of a large Roman villa from the 1st century BC — and in the summer it becomes an open-air theatre, with the stage just a few steps from the water. A site that is 2,000 years old comes back to life each year with live performances.
A villa for work, not just leisure
The remains of the villa are grouped around a trapezoidal space of about 500 square metres, bounded by four building wings connected to a suburban domus. Thirty-two rooms are arranged around the central courtyard, nearly all opening inward. This was probably not the noble part of the villa: wine was produced here, and dried fish was stored. This building is part of a larger residential complex that also includes the remains of Villa Rubino and the buildings along the Rialto torrent.
The Classical Theatre Festival
Since 2016, the site has hosted the Classical Theatre Festival: the works of Plautus, Euripides, and Aristophanes are performed among the walls of the 1st century BC.
