Second Ancient Theatre, Larissa

The Second Ancient Theatre sits on the southwestern slopes of Pefkakia hill and once held about 10,000 spectators, with an orchestra area roughly 30 meters across. The stage and chorus area survive, though the semicircular seating section and side passages remain incomplete because of construction constraints.

This theatre was built in the late 3rd century BCE during the reign of King Antigonus II Gonatas of Macedon. It later suffered two major earthquakes, one in the 4th century and another in the 7th century.

The theatre hosted performances and musical celebrations for Dionysus, while also serving as a gathering place where citizens held public assemblies. This dual role made it a social hub where religious observance and community life intersected.

The site is freely accessible, and you can view the surviving structures from different angles to understand its layout. Early morning visits tend to be quieter, giving you better light and fewer crowds to navigate the sloped terrain.

The theatre was constructed using marble blocks recycled from older circular structures, and several of these blocks carry inscriptions from freed slaves dating to the late 3rd century BCE. This reuse of materials reveals how ancient builders salvaged and transformed existing resources.