Carved into the southern slope of one of Plovdiv’s hills, the Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is one of the most magnificent and best-preserved Roman monuments in the world. Located in the heart of the Old Town, this spectacular 2nd-century arena is a testament to the scale and importance of the ancient Roman city. Its stunningly preserved marble seats, ornate stage, and commanding columns create an awe-inspiring scene. More than just a ruin, the theatre is a living venue, still hosting operas, concerts, and festivals under the open sky, making it one of the most atmospheric and functional ancient sites in Europe.

Name and Location

• Name: Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis (Античен театър, Antichen teatаr).
• Location: In the southern part of the Old Town of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, built into the saddle between Dzhambaz and Taksim hills.

How to Get There

The theatre is one of the main attractions within the Old Town of Plovdiv.

• By Foot: This is the primary way to access the theatre. It requires a walk up the steep, winding cobblestone streets of the Old Town from Plovdiv’s central pedestrian street.
• By Train/Bus (to Plovdiv): First, arrive in Plovdiv via the central railway station or one of the city’s bus terminals (like “South” or “Rodopi”). From there, the city center and the Old Town are a short walk or taxi ride away.

Landscape and Architecture

The theatre is a masterpiece of Roman engineering, perfectly integrated into the landscape.

• Hillside Integration: The theatre is a classic Roman design, using the natural slope of the hill to support its tiered seating area (cavea), which faces south towards the modern city and the Rhodope Mountains.
• Spectacular Preservation: The site is incredibly well-preserved, with 28 concentric rows of marble seats, a large two-story stage (scaenae frons) decorated with columns and statues, and an orchestra pit.
• Panoramic View: From the upper seats, visitors are treated to one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Plovdiv, which stretches out below the Old Town.
• Ornate Details: The stage is richly decorated with friezes, cornices, and statues, demonstrating the wealth of the ancient city. Inscriptions in Greek on the seats reveal details about the city’s tribes and governance.

What Makes It Famous

The theatre is renowned for its preservation, beauty, and its continued use as a performance space.

• Best-Preserved Roman Theatre: It is considered one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world.
• A Living Venue: Unlike many ruins, the theatre is a functional and cherished venue for major cultural events, including the Plovdiv Opera Festival, concerts, and plays.
• Stunning Location: Its position high in the Old Town, combined with its panoramic views, makes it an unforgettable location.
• Symbol of Plovdiv: Along with the Old Town’s Revival houses, the theatre is a key symbol of Plovdiv’s deep and continuous history.

Differences from Other Wonders (vs. Old Town of Plovdiv)

A singular, monumental venue offers a different experience than the surrounding historic district it’s part of.

• Environment (Singular Public Venue vs. Living Historic District): The Theatre is a single, large-scale public monument designed for mass spectacle. The Old Town is a complete, living, and breathing neighborhood of residential houses, galleries, museums, and winding streets.
• Focus (Roman Spectacle vs. Revival-Era Life): The Theatre is a pure expression of Roman imperial architecture for public entertainment. The Old Town’s primary architectural identity is defined by its colorful 19th-century Bulgarian Revival houses.
• Core Story (Roman Imperial Power vs. Continuous Inhabitation): The Theatre is a singular statement of Roman Philippopolis’s power. The Old Town’s story is one of millennia of adaptation, from Thracians to Romans to the 19th-century merchants who built its famous houses.
• Atmosphere (Static and Grand vs. Bustling and Artistic): The Theatre is a grand, static archaeological site (unless a performance is scheduled). The Old Town is a vibrant, bustling area with a distinctly artistic and residential