The Ancient Roman Theatre of Philippopolis is among the best preserved ancient theaters in the world. His exquisite beauty will enchant you and it will take you back in time of Emperor Trajan at the beginning of II century. With its 28 concentric rows of seats, intereting inscriptions and wonderful statues, it attracts every eye and carries the spirit of ancient Rome. Thanks to the specific architecture of the theater, the acoustic is unique – imagine what spectacular performances, games and events have taken place there!
Today it is also used for concerts and performances, with seats for about 5000 spectators. But enjoying your favorite band at the Ancient Theatre is a thousand times different and better than in the stadium – the very feeling is one, such stronger, more spectacular!
The theater has several preserved stelae and wall inscriptions in Greek and possibly before its construction, this place was a temple of the Thracian goddess Bendis.
The Theatre was built in the Old Town, in the natural saddle between the beautiful hills - Dzhambaz Tepe and Taksim Tepe, and it was one of the most significant public buildings in Trimontium, remarkable for its architecture and splendor. The seats are oriented to the south, revealing the beautiful and spectacular views of the ancient city in the valley and the Rhodope Mountains. The inputs connect the visual space called cavea with the stage building. Underground passage with vaulted corridor originates from the middle of the orchestra, goes under the stage building and beyond. Second vaulted passageway passes under the central sector of the highest rank and connects the cavea of the theater with three hills. Above it is built the Honorary Lodge, decorated with inscriptions, as every honorary theater seats of the Roman Empire are.
It is one of the best preserved ancient theatres in the world and it is the only one in Bulgaria. It was declared an archaeological monument in the sixth edition of the State Gazette in 1995.
