Roman Odeon

Remains of a peristyle temple have been uncovered by excavations, incorporated into the foundations of the church of St. Caterina, located next to the south-western corner of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. In the absence of other evidence, fragments of the limestone geison (raking cornice) would permit to date the temple to the mid-3rd century BC. Later, in the 1st/beginning of the 2nd century BC, the temple was flanked on the south side by an odeion, abutting onto its colonnade. The odeion, partly uncovered in 1892-93, is entirely built using the brick-faced concrete technique except for the rear corridor, which is a later addition. The cavea, partly resting on a natural slope, has eleven rows of seats, divided by three staircases into four cunei or sectors. The eighth row up from the orchestra served as gangway, being slightly wider than the rest, and the two vomitoria or passages open onto it. Part of the brick-faced pulpitum (or stage) front survives with a semicircular niche, but the back wooden stage was laid on the steps of a third-century BC temple, which served as backdrop to the odeion. *

Roman Odeon

Roman Odeon

Roman Odeon

Roman Odeon

*from a signboard outside the odeon

14 Comments CherryPie on Nov 19th 2019

14 Responses to “Roman Odeon”

  1. lisl says:

    An important survival hemmed in by more modern buildings

  2. Ayush says:

    the Odeon looks like a cozy place, CP. nice to see the original plan.

  3. Ginnie says:

    I always need a second-take when I visit such a place, Cherry, and realize exactly how old “first century” is. WOW.

  4. shabana says:

    i agree with last comment ,we probably always second look to such treasured places dear Cheri ,as first visit undergo the excitement and discovery though second one reveals the true genuine charm of place
    thank for sharing this fascinating beauty uncovered now

  5. I can see the three legs design on their logo.
    Is it the same three legs used on Isle of Man flag?
    Have you been there before?

  6. >I am fond of Bruges although I haven’t been for a while.

    Oh Eurostar started a new route to Holland last year.
    I visited Rotterdam and used it as a transport hub for other Dutch cities.

  7. What an amazing site – it looks so atmospheric and your photos are super :)