Theatre of Dodona, Ancient Greek theatre in Dodona, Greece
The Theatre of Dodona is an ancient Greek performance venue in the Dodoni region with 55 rows of stone seating arranged in a semicircular layout. The structure accommodated roughly 17,000 spectators and was framed by surrounding mountains that created a natural backdrop.
King Pyrrhus commissioned the theatre between 297 and 272 BCE, making it part of the sacred complex for Zeus and Dione. Later during Roman times, the front rows were removed and walls were added to transform it into an arena for animal spectacles.
The theatre was linked to the sanctuary of Zeus Dodonaios and functioned as a place for religious festivals and competitions. Performances were deeply intertwined with rituals that drew pilgrims from across the ancient world.
The theatre is open to visitors year-round and the surrounding area is easily walkable on foot. Recent restoration work has stabilized the structure while keeping its original character intact.
The site served not just as a performance venue but as the center of a famous oracle where priests predicted the future. Many pilgrims visited the site to seek guidance before performances were held.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
