Teatri di Pietra – Incontr'Arti (Villa of Livia and Malborghetto)

Where theater meets archaeology in Rome

Teatri di Pietra – Incontr'Arti stands out as one of the most original cultural events in Rome: it brings live performances directly into the archaeological sites of the 15th Municipality, giving the city access to often overlooked monuments. Its recurring subtitle, «Places and visions of earth and sky», perfectly captures the project's spirit, weaving together theater, dance, and music with archaeology, botany, landscape, and the humanities. The artistic direction is led by Aurelio Gatti, a long-time promoter of the national Teatri di Pietra network.

Villa of Livia and the Arch of Malborghetto: gems of the Via Flaminia

The festival takes place in two fascinating locations in Rome, on the northern outskirts along the Via Flaminia. The Villa of Livia in Prima Porta, famous for its painted garden frescoes now housed at Palazzo Massimo, opens its park, lauretum, and mosaic area to the public. The Arch of Malborghetto, a late-antique monument linked to Constantine, hosts performances within its Antiquarium and surrounding park. In both sites, shows are accompanied by special openings, allowing visitors to explore the monuments before or after the performance.

Performing arts and science in dialogue

What sets Incontr'Arti apart is its cross-disciplinary approach: alongside theatrical performances and concerts, the program includes meetings with archaeologists, botanists, naturalists, and scholars who guide the public through the historical and natural context of the sites. The lineup alternates between reinterpretations of classical texts, contemporary drama, dance, and musical performances, designed for a broad, intergenerational audience.

A project by the Teatri di Pietra network

The festival stems from the experience of Teatri di Pietra, a national network that has spent years bringing live performances to ancient theaters, amphitheaters, and archaeological areas across Lazio, Tuscany, Campania, Basilicata, and Sicily. In Rome, the project is produced by Pentagono Produzioni Associate in collaboration with the Special Superintendency for Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape of Rome, with the support of Rome Capital and the 15th Municipality. The initiative is part of the city's supported cultural projects, confirming its status as a consolidated and highly anticipated annual event.

Why you shouldn't miss it

• Performances in two archaeological sites that are usually difficult to access.
• A multidisciplinary program featuring theater, dance, music, and science.
• Free admission to all shows, with booking recommended.
• Special monument openings curated by the Superintendency.

In the Lazio region and the province of Rome, Incontr'Arti represents a signature event that unites heritage protection, artistic research, and regional promotion, offering a high-quality cultural experience in the green heart of the capital's northern suburbs.