The Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis is a Roman theatre carved into the saddle between Dzhambaz Tepe and Taksim Tepe in Plovdiv’s Old Town. Built in the early 2nd century AD under Emperor Trajan, it is one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world, and it still hosts live performances (Opera Plovdiv).
A landslide uncovered the site in the late 1960s, and excavation and restoration followed through the 1970s. Visitors climb tiers of white marble seating arranged in a horseshoe. Some benches carry carved Greek inscriptions naming the city districts whose citizens sat there. Below, the reconstructed two-storey stage facade rises with columns, cornices, and statue niches. Beyond the stage, the view opens over modern Plovdiv to the Rhodope Mountains. On summer evenings the venue fills for opera, ballet, rock concerts, and festival productions staged by Opera Plovdiv and other companies (Tours Bulgaria).
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
The best time to visit is right at opening or in late afternoon, when tour groups thin out and the marble catches softer light. Daytime visits require a ticket, and hours shorten in winter, so check current times before you go. The site can also close early on rehearsal and performance days. Book summer performances weeks ahead and bring a cushion for the stone seats. From the Old Town’s cobbled lanes, the theatre is an easy walk to the Plovdiv Roman Stadium and the Ethnographic Museum.
