Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis

The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is one of Plovdiv’s defining monuments and one of the best-preserved ancient theatres still used as a stage today. It occupies the natural saddle between Dzhambaz Tepe and Taksim Tepe, where the steep terrain gave Roman builders an ideal setting for a monumental auditorium.

A theatre from Roman Philippopolis

An inscription discovered on a statue pedestal dates the building to the 90s of the 1st century AD, during the reign of Domitian. The auditorium was arranged in 28 concentric rows of marble seats and the ancient capacity was about 6,000 spectators. The theatre was not only a place for performances: public assemblies and meetings connected with the cities of the Roman province of Thrace were held here, and the arena also hosted gladiatorial spectacles.

Architecture worth noticing

Look at the semicircular cavea, the orchestra and the monumental stage building. Their relationship with the slope is part of what makes the site so striking: from the upper rows the view opens beyond the stage toward modern Plovdiv and the Rhodope Mountains.

Rediscovery and modern life

The monument was uncovered during archaeological work in the 20th century and was partially restored in 1981. Today it is an active open-air venue for opera, theatre, concerts and festivals, so the experience can be very different during an event than during a daytime archaeological visit.

Planning your visit

Allow time to walk around the upper seating as well as the stage level, and combine the theatre with Dzhambaz Tepe, Taksim Tepe and the Revival houses of the Old Town. Because it remains a working cultural venue, access and opening arrangements can change when rehearsals or performances are scheduled.