Caracalla Danza
International contemporary dance amidst the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla
About Caracalla Danza
A dance festival inside the Baths of Caracalla
Caracalla Danza is a vibrant contemporary dance festival held annually within the Baths of Caracalla, in the city of Rome, the capital of the Metropolitan City of Rome and the Lazio region. The initiative is promoted by the Special Superintendency of Rome in collaboration with the National Choreographic Centre / Aterballetto, Italy's leading contemporary dance company, alongside artistic partners such as the Rome Opera House Dance School and the Ravenna Manifestazioni Foundation.
A venue that becomes the stage
The Baths of Caracalla, inaugurated in 216 AD under Emperor Caracalla, remain one of the best-preserved thermal complexes of the ancient world, featuring towering brick walls, monumental halls, mosaics, and underground passages. Following extensive restoration and enhancement works in recent years, the monument is no longer just a backdrop but an integral part of the performance dramaturgy. Choreographers create site-specific works, drawing inspiration from the geometry, light, and voids of the archaeological site; the Reflecting Pool, an installation that restores the baths' foundational element, has become the festival's signature stage.
The Program
The program alternates between major contemporary repertoire pieces and experimental formats designed for smaller, mobile audiences. Alongside evening performances at the Reflecting Pool, the festival offers immersive performance trails where spectators move through the site alongside dancers and musicians, accessing areas usually closed to the public. The stage has hosted international choreographic luminaries—including Angelin Preljocaj, Johan Inger, Sharon Eyal, Marco Goecke, Hofesh Shechter, Philippe Kratz, and Diego Tortelli—as well as leading guest companies.
The Atmosphere
- At sunset: performances begin in the late afternoon or early evening, when the grazing light illuminates the brickwork of the walls.
- Limited capacity: attendance is capped and performance trails take place in small groups, making online booking essential.
- Short duration: 50-60 minutes per title, a format that allows visitors to combine a tour of the monument with the show in a single evening.
- Diverse audience: dance enthusiasts, locals, and tourists discovering the site in a unique, new light.
Why it's worth the trip
In Rome, summer is traditionally the season for major open-air events, from the Caracalla Festival of the Opera House to various archaeological park series. Caracalla Danza stands out because it does not simply place a show inside a monument; it builds a constant dialogue between the dancer's body and the ancient substance of the imperial baths. Visitors from out of town can easily combine their evening with a visit to the nearby Circus Maximus, the Aventine Hill, and the Appian Way Archaeological Park, all within easy walking distance.
Caracalla Danza — edition 2026
Caracalla Danza 2026
The second edition of the festival, promoted by the Special Superintendency of Rome with the National Choreographic Centre / Aterballetto, expanded its format compared to the 2025 debut: ten days of programming, from June 26 to July 5, with three distinct titles and varied performance formats. Artistic partners for this edition included the Rome Opera House Dance School and the Ravenna Manifestazioni Foundation.
The common thread was the relationship between the body and the monumental space: from the walking trail that led spectators from the Reflecting Pool to the Mithraeum, to contemporary creations presented at sunset on the stage set up in the central area of the imperial baths.
Programme Caracalla Danza 2026
Découverte: Caracalla — June 26, 27, and 28
A new site-specific work curated by choreographer Diego Tortelli: dancers and a cellist accompany small groups of spectators through the most famous and secret spaces of the archaeological complex, from the Reflecting Pool to the Mithraeum. Performances at 6:00 PM, 7:15 PM, and 8:30 PM, duration 50 minutes.
Impromptus. Arias, dances and improvisations — June 30
An evening of short experimental performances blending movement, sound, and space, created by the National Choreographic Centre / Aterballetto with the Ravenna Manifestazioni Foundation. 8:30 PM, duration 50 minutes.
Preludio / An Echo, A Wave / Bliss — July 3, 4, and 5
A triptych by the National Choreographic Centre / Aterballetto at the Reflecting Pool: Preludio by Diego Tortelli, An Echo, A Wave by Philippe Kratz, and Bliss by Johan Inger. 8:30 PM, total duration 60 minutes.
Highlights Caracalla Danza 2026
- Itinerant performance trail in the secret spaces of the Baths of Caracalla, reaching the Mithraeum.
- Three creations by the National Choreographic Centre / Aterballetto on the Reflecting Pool stage.
- Bliss by Johan Inger, one of the most celebrated titles in the European contemporary repertoire.
- Sunset performances, with light illuminating the brick walls of the complex.
- Short durations (50-60 minutes) and limited capacity for an intimate experience.
Prices Caracalla Danza 2026
Practical information — Caracalla Danza
Location
Baths of Caracalla, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 52, 00153 Rome (Aventino / San Saba district).
Getting there
- Metro: Line B, Circo Massimo stop, then a 10-minute walk.
- Bus: Lines 118, 160, 628, stopping on Viale delle Terme di Caracalla.
- Train: From Roma Termini, take Metro B towards Laurentina to Circo Massimo.
- Car: Parking is very limited in the area; public transport is highly recommended.
Tickets
Paid entry with affordable pricing (approximately 20-25 euros per show). Tickets are sold exclusively online and spots are limited: early booking is advised. For information, contact the Aterballetto box office ([email protected], tel./WhatsApp +39 334 1023554).
Tips
Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time; the archaeological site's terrain is uneven, so comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended, especially for the itinerant performance trails. Bring a light jacket: after sunset, the temperature drops among the ancient walls.
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Where does it take place — Caracalla Danza
Terme di Caracalla
Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 52, 00153 Roma