Ancient Roman Theatre

The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is arguably the most spectacular monument in Plovdiv and one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world. Built in the late 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Domitian, it was hidden for centuries after an earthquake until it was rediscovered during a landslide in the 1970s. Today, it stands as a breathtaking marble structure carved into the natural saddle between the Taksim and Dzhambaz hills. The theatre features twenty-eight concentric rows of marble seats that could once accommodate up to seven thousand spectators. It remains a living venue where the past and present merge, offering a stunning backdrop of the modern city and the Rhodope Mountains beyond its ancient stage.

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Alles über Ancient Roman Theatre

Was Sie erwartet

As of 2026, the adult entrance fee for the theatre is approximately 8 BGN, which is about 4 EUR. Discounted tickets of around 2 BGN are available for students and seniors, making it a very affordable site to explore. The theatre typically opens daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM during the summer season (April to October) and from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM during the winter months (November to March). While you can view the structure from the surrounding streets for free, paying the admission allows you to walk onto the stage and explore the intricate marble carvings and pedestals up close. It is an active cultural venue, so check the local schedule for evening performances.

Warum diese Tour buchen

Safety and comfort are vital when visiting this historic site. The theatre is built into a steep hillside, and the original marble steps can be very slippery and uneven. It is highly recommended to wear flat, sturdy walking shoes and avoid high heels at all costs. If you are attending an evening performance, consider bringing a small cushion, as sitting on the ancient stone or wooden benches for a two-hour show can be uncomfortable. There is very little shade within the seating area, so if you visit during a summer afternoon, bring a hat and water. Lastly, be aware that the site occasionally closes to tourists during the daytime for private rehearsals or sound checks before major concerts.

Die richtige Tour auswählen

The theatre is located in the heart of the Old Town and is easily accessible on foot from Plovdiv’s main pedestrian street. From the Dzhumaya Mosque in the center, it is a ten-minute uphill walk through the cobblestone streets of the architectural reserve. If you are coming from the Central Railway Station or further away, take a taxi for a quick five-minute ride, which should cost around 5 to 7 BGN. Alternatively, bus lines 7, 20, and 26 stop at the South Tunnel station, from where you can take a short but steep staircase directly up to the theatre entrance. Because the Old Town is a protected area with restricted vehicle access, walking remains the most practical and scenic option.

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For the best experience, aim to visit either early in the morning or about an hour before sunset. The morning light provides excellent clarity for photos without the midday heat, while the golden hour at sunset creates a magical glow over the marble and offers the best views of the city lights beginning to glow below. If you visit in June or July, try to align your trip with the Opera Open festival to see a live performance under the stars. Tuesday through Thursday are generally quieter than weekends, when large tour groups often fill the space. In the winter, the site is much more peaceful, though you should check for early closing times due to shorter daylight hours.

Ancient Roman Theatre