Reaching back to the 6th century BCE, Greek theater continues to influence modern-day art. From the mythical legends of the god of theater, Dionysus, to modern-day interpretations of Heracles, the charm of the ancient world still affects us. Today, ruins of over 50 ancient Greek theaters remain scattered around Greece. Whether you are a recovering theater kid or simply interested in drama, this guide will explore five ancient theaters in mainland Greece worth visiting.
Why Mainland Greece?
It is no secret that over-tourism is plaguing the Greek Islands. While the allure of Mykono’s golden beaches and Santorini’s iconic white houses are appealing, mainland Greece offers an authentic look into Greek history and culture. While there are a handful of Greek theaters on islands such as Milos, Delos, and Rhodes, the majority of Greek theaters are found on the mainland.
1. The Theater of Epidaurus
The cream of the crop is the theater of Epidaurus. It is considered the best-preserved Greek theater in the world. It still maintains its near-perfect acoustics and structure. The theater was built in the late 4th century BCE and can fit between 13,000 and 15,000 audience members. Many academics consider the space a perfect example of a classical theater.
Visitors can test the acoustics for themselves. One person can stand in the center of the stage, which is 20 meters (65 feet) in diameter, and whisper. The other can then climb to the highest point of the theater. From here, the listener at the top of the theater can still clearly hear the person whispering from 50 meters (164 feet) below. However, it is not just the performance space that makes it so magnificent. Located in the underrated Peloponnese region, lush vegetation and mountain views surround the theater. Travelers visiting during the summer can attend the annual Athens Epidaurus Festival, formerly the Epidaurus Festival. Since 1954, audiences have enjoyed both ancient and modern plays in this historic setting.
Additionally, the theater of Epidaurus overlooks the Sanctuary of Asklepios. Ancient Greeks used this site as a place to honor the god of its namesake. As Asklepios was a god of healing, the sanctuary also served as a therapy center. Whether you are dying to recite lines from Antigone or read from your own works, the theater of Epidaurus is a must-visit for anyone interested in drama or Greek mythology.
2. Theater of Dionysus, Athens
The theater of Dionysus is the easiest to visit if you are short on time. Located on the southern side of the iconic Acropolis of Athens, the theater is exceptionally accessible to tourists. The ancient Greeks constructed the space in the 6th century BCE. It held 17,000 audience members. Initially, the theater was used to make sacrifices to the Greek gods. The floor was 60 feet in diameter and contained an altar in the center.
It must be noted that there is much dispute surrounding the space regarding how it was constructed. Some experts argue the theater was originally built with wood and later changed. Toward the 5th century BCE, the theater of Dionysus was used for plays. Iconic ancient playwrights such as Sophocles and Euripides saw their works come to light here. Around 61 CE, the Romans, under Nero, made significant improvements to the space. They likely added a raised stage and replaced the wood with stone.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the theater of Dionysus went uncared for until its rediscovery in 1765. In the late 1800s, the Greek architectural authority under Wilhelm Dörpfeld restored the theater. Today, many tourists and locals regularly enjoy live theater, concerts, and other performances in the historic theater of Dionysus. Its picturesque location under the Parthenon makes it a needed stop on any Grecian itinerary.
3. Ancient Theater of Delphi
Many people know the ancient city of Delphi for its oracles. Even the famed Alexander the Great made a trip to hear them. However, Delphi was also the setting of the Pythian Games. The Pythian Games was one of four games, including the Olympic Games, that made up the Panhellenic Games of Ancient Greece. These games were essentially a mini version of today’s Olympics.
The ancient city is home to the 5,000-seat ancient theater of Delphi. The performance space was created in the 4th century using limestone from Mount Parnassus. It is located on the side of a steep hill overlooking the Temple of Apollo and the surrounding olive groves. The theater was used for musical contests during the Pythian Games. The original form of the theater is lost to time. What travelers see today is the result of the 160-159 BCE restoration efforts by Eumenes II of Pergamon.
While visiting the theater, be sure to continue walking up the hill to the Stadium of Delphi. At the highest point of the city, it is one of the best-preserved ancient stadiums in the world. The stadium accommodated about 500 spectators to watch track events during the Pythian Games. Visitors should note that it is an intense vertical hike to the stadium from the visitor center, and they should bring plenty of water as there is little shade.
4. Ancient Theater of Dodona
While less well known than the city of Delphi, Dodona was home to the first oracles of Greece. Many believed the area to be the second home of the god Zeus.
Dating back to the late 2nd century BCE, the limestone theater of Dodona is believed to have held between 15,000 to 18,000 people. Its capacity made it one of the largest theaters in the Hellenic world. The theater was commissioned by the king of the Greek tribe Molossians, Pyrrhus of Epirus. King Pyrrhus was said to be an admirer of Alexander the Great and wanted to create a grandiose city to match his own ambitions.
As with many Grecian structures, their purposes changed with the arrival of the Romans. It is believed that Emperor Augustus turned the theater of Dodona’s orchestra area into an arena for classic Roman animal fights. Following 132 CE, both the city and theater were left essentially abandoned.
As recently as 2024, efforts by the Greek government are underway to restore the theater of Dodona. According to The Greek Reporter, Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, stated that these restoration efforts are “one of the most complex and difficult projects” the Greek government has ever attempted. While Dodona is farther from Athens than others on this list, the historical significance of its ancient lineage is well worth a sojourn.
5. First Ancient Theater of Larissa
Antigonus II Gonatas of Macedonia constructed the first ancient theater of Larissa at the beginning of the 3rd century BCE. The theater is the largest in the region of Thessaly, as it can hold 10,000 audience members. Historians believe that the theater was created with the intention of worshipping and honoring the god of theater, Dionysus. It is thought that the theater held performances for at least six centuries. Like others on this list, the theater fell into Roman hands. Around the first century, the theater was used for animal fights, Roman celebrations, and even duals. Eventually, the citizens of Larissa created the less-impressive second theater of Larissa, simply because the first had been transformed.
An earthquake struck Larissa in the 7th century CE. The quake took out the second floor of the first theater’s orchestra and a large portion of the main stage. It sits on a slope (like the theater of Dionysus in Athens) that imitates an amphitheater shape and has been under continuous excavation efforts since 1985. Today, visitors can walk through much of the first level and see parts of what used to be a grand stage.
The second ancient theater of Larissa is easy to visit when visiting the first. However, it is far less impressive. Not much is known about the second theater, but historians have determined that it was built during the reign of Caesar Augustus in the 1st century BCE. At one point, the temple of Demeter and a Christian church stood on the site. The second ancient theater of Larissa was rediscovered in 1978, and excavations continued into the mid-1980s.
Centuries later, the first ancient theater of Larissa “reopened” in 2024 to occasionally host cultural events and concerts. The ongoing restoration efforts have made the theater more accessible to visitors with mobility needs. With newfound life in 2024, the first ancient theater of Larissa serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Greek theater.
