CityBuddy
Ancient Theatre of Philippopolis
Best time to visit
Late afternoon, when the sun casts long shadows among the columns and marble seats, photos are the most dramatic then. Summer evenings are special due to numerous concerts and theater performances in an authentic setting.
Budget tips
Admission is about 5 euros for adults, while students and retirees pay half. The first Monday of the month is free entry for all visitors.
Recommended for
History lovers, Photographers, Theater and music lovers, Travelers with limited time
Plan your visit
45-60 min
About
Quick facts: Its 28 rows of Moorish marble seats hold over 5,000 spectators, and the acoustics are so precise that you can hear a match being lit on stage from the back row. The theater was only discovered in the 1970s during routine archaeological excavations, and then fully restored in a project lasting over a decade.
Highlights: During summer evenings, the 1,800-year-old stone warms up to a pleasant 30 degrees, so the audience often sits on original Roman seats without feeling cold. The theater has a unique southern orientation, meaning the sun sets directly behind the audience during performances, creating golden light on the stage.
Insider tips
- Test the acoustics: sit in the last row and ask a friend to whisper in the middle of the stage.
- For the best photos, come at 5 pm in summer, when the golden hour illuminates the entire stage and rows of seats.
- Bring a cushion or a puffy jacket with you, as the stone seats can be uncomfortably hard after an hour of sitting.
- Avoid the morning hours between 10 am and 12 pm, when the theater is often full of school groups.
Where to Stay in Plovdiv
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in PlovdivPowered by agoda
