Ancient Theatre of Plovdiv
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
A Roman theatre from the 1st century AD set into the hillside of Plovdiv’s old town, still used for summer performances. Walk from the pedestrian centre; the Revival houses of the old town are just above.
The Roman Theatre of Philippopolis lies in the heart of the Old Town of Plovdiv in Bulgaria, on the site of the ancient city of Philippopolis. It was built around the 1st century AD in the saddle between two hills, according to the sources under Emperor Domitian or Trajan. The auditorium opens south towards the plain and the Rhodope Mountains. The theatre held several thousand spectators; estimates range from 3,500 to 7,000.
It was excavated and restored in the 1970s. The restoration by anastylosis, in which original pieces were put back in place, is regarded as one of the great achievements of Bulgarian heritage conservation, and the new material is clearly visible. Benches carry the names of city districts, and inscriptions show that the provincial assembly of Thrace met here. You can walk through the auditorium, stage and backstage area. Plays and concerts are held in summer.
- Nearest town
- Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 42.1470, 24.7512
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Bulgaria: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 140 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Glamping & Motel "Alliance"Campsite5 km from Ancient Theatre of Plovdiv
- Рокерски полянаCampsite14 km from Ancient Theatre of Plovdiv
- Camping BorshCampsite16 km from Ancient Theatre of Plovdiv
- Wild campCampsite18 km from Ancient Theatre of Plovdiv
All campsites in Bulgaria · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Ancient Theatre of Plovdiv?
Ancient Theatre of Plovdiv is in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, at GPS 42.1470, 24.7512. It is about 24 km from Bachkovo.
Can you camp near Ancient Theatre of Plovdiv?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Glamping & Motel "Alliance", about 5 km away; within 25 km there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Ancient Theatre of Plovdiv?
Ancient Theatre of Plovdiv is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Across the Balkan range: Veliko Tarnovo, Shipka and Plovdiv.
What is there to see near Ancient Theatre of Plovdiv?
Places worth a stop nearby: Plovdiv Old Town (0 km), Asen’s Fortress (20 km), Bachkovo Monastery (24 km) and Wonderful Bridges (39 km).
When is the best time to visit Ancient Theatre of Plovdiv?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)