Palazzo Orsini in Rome is Up For Sale

One of Europe’s most ancient developments, Palazzo Orsini – formerly Theatre of Marcellus – is now up for grabs at a staggering £26 million.

While it resembles a miniature Colosseum, it was in no way modelled after the famous edifice.

Theatre of Marcellus was built in 13 B.C.

Built in 13 BC – 80 years before construction for the Colosseum began – Theatre of Marcellus was named after Augustus’ favourite nephew and could seat 20,000 people. Abandoned in the 4th century AD, the theatre was remodelled as the fortress of the Fabii during the Middle Ages. It fell into ruins soon after, until the Orisini family made it their home in the 1600s.

The Restroom.

A palace was grated on top of the ancient theatre and Palazzo Orsini officially came in being. Today, the upper portion is divided into multiple apartments, boasting frescoed staterooms, multiple bedrooms, a ballroom, a library, a terrace and a separate penthouse.

The Lavish Study Room.

The surroundings, meanwhile, are used as a venue for mini summer concerts. A delight for art history majors, the 364 feet diameter space includes a vast network of arches, corridors, columns, tunnels and ramps – offering us an early example of an architectural form that was to become very popular in the Roman world.

The Reception Room.