Plovdiv Roman theatre

Plovdiv Roman theatre is an ancient amphitheatre in the Three Hills district of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, set into a hillside and surrounded by residential buildings. The marble seating forms a horseshoe arrangement that opens toward the stage and offers a view over the old town.

Emperor Trajan commissioned the theatre in the first century AD to provide the provincial administration and residents with a shared gathering space. After a landslide in 1972, archaeologists uncovered the buried remains and began restoration work.

The venue takes its name from the Roman builders who created it as a central gathering place for the province of Thracia. Today, visitors sit on the ancient marble benches during opera performances and music evenings held here throughout the warmer months.

A visit typically takes around an hour if you explore the seating tiers and take in the view over the city. The steps are steep and uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is advisable.

Inscriptions on the seating benches show that certain seats were reserved for members of the provincial assembly who made political decisions here. This function sets the structure apart from pure entertainment venues, as it served as a forum for public affairs.

Location: Plovdiv

Part of: 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria

Address: ул. "Цар Ивайло" № 2А, град Пловдив

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:30-18:00

Phone: +35932621040

Website: https://ancienttheaterplovdiv.eu

GPS coordinates: 42.14684,24.75101

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:27