The Caracalla Festival will run in Rome's Circus Maximus from 29 June to 31 July.
An iconic ancient Roman site
The choice of the Circus Maximus – made necessary by the restoration work currently underway at the Baths of Caracalla – adds a further layer of charm to the annual Caracalla Opera Festival. This iconic ancient Roman site, once used for chariot races and large public gatherings, now becomes a contemporary cultural space, where the grandeur of the past meets the creativity of modern artistic productions.
A lecture on Saint Francis of Assisi
The programme opens on 29 June with "St Francis: An Unconventional Saint," a lecture-performance by historian Alessandro Barbero. Through his unmistakable narrative skill, Barbero offers the audience an original and in-depth interpretation of the figure of St Francis of Assisi; a debut that combines culture and reflection, immediately establishing the festival’s commitment to artistic and intellectual quality.
An evening dedicated to gladiators
On 3 and 4 July, the Circus Maximus will be transformed into an open-air cinema with "Gladiator in Concert." an event combining a screening of Ridley Scott’s famous film with a live performance of the soundtrack by the Orchestra and Choir of the Rome Opera House: an immersive experience that will blend cinema and symphonic music into a single, powerful emotional narrative.
From Riccardo Cocciante to Aida
On 6 July it is the turn of great Italian singer-songwriter Riccardo Cocciante, the star of an evening dedicated to his most famous songs, which have spanned generations whilst retaining their expressive power. At the heart of the opera programme Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aida” will be staged on 12, 15, 18, 22, 26 and 28 July. This masterpiece, with its blend of drama, love and orchestral power, finds a perfect setting in the Circo Massimo - the grandeur of the venue amplifying the opera’s epic scale snd offering the audience a theatrical experience of rare intensity.
Three evenings of ballet
Among the most eagerly awaited events is the return of “Roberto Bolle and Friends,” scheduled for 14 July. The Italian étoile brings to the stage some of the most prestigious stars of international dance, creating a gala that combines technique, elegance and spectacle. On 24 and 25 July, dance takes centre stage once more with John Cranko’s “Romeo and Juliet”, performed by the Corps de Ballet of the Rome Opera House. The festival will draw to a close on 31 July with Carl Orff’s monumental “Carmina Burana.” This famous symphonic-choral oratorio, with its rhythmic power and primal energy, promises a spectacular finale, sure to leave an indelible impression on the audience.
Concerts and multidisciplinary productions
Alongside major opera and dance productions, the festival also features symphonic concerts and multidisciplinary productions. The Caracalla Festival 2026 thus stands not only as an artistic showcase, but as a true journey into beauty, telling the story of Rome through the universal power of art and culture.
For information: https://www.operaroma.it/news/il-teatro-dellopera-al-circo-massimo/
