Quick Links

Bulgaria is one of European's Balkan nations that has a long Roman history, and today it has many ancient Roman ruins. One of the benefits of visiting Bulgaria is that it is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe (and possibly the world) to visit. Bulgaria is a great place to discover Roman ruins - although arguably, there's no beating the Roman ruins in Turkey, Italy, Greece, and southern France.

The Roman theater of Philipopolis has been restored, and it is still used for modern events. This is actually surprisingly common around the former Roman Empire. In Carthage, Tunisia, a Roman theater is still used for modern traditional events and concerts. While in a well-preserved Roman arena in southern France, visitors can see the Great Roman Games re-enactments.

History Of The Roman Theater of Philipopolis

The territory of what is today Bulgaria has been a battleground through the ages by the ancient Thracians, Persians, Celts, and Macedonians before it became part of the Roman Empire for many hundreds of years until it became part of the Eastern Roman Empire (aka the Byzantine Empire).

The theater was built in the 1st century AD, likely during the reign of Emperor Domitian. As the Roman Empire weakened in the 400s, it was damaged by the devasting raids of Attila the Hun. The theater is smaller compared to some of the largest Roman theaters and has a capacity of between 5,000 and 7,000 spectators. Each section of seating had names of the quarters of the city engraved on the benches so that spectators would know where to sit.

  • Capacity: Between 5,000 and 7,000
  • Built: 90s AD

While the Greeks liked to see the exercises of the gymnasium and stadium, while the Romans preferred events of the theater and circus, it is likely there were gladiatorial fights using animals there.

It was also used as a seat of the General Assembly of the Roman province of Thrace. The theater remained in use by the Romans for hundreds of years.

Related: See The Stunning Seven Rila Lakes & More On This Bulgaria Tour

Discovery & Restoration Of The Best Preserved Roman Theater In The World

Remarkably, the theater was long lost to history because of a landslide. It was only rediscovered in the early 1970s, thanks to excavations in the area. The theater was excavated and restored during the 1980s. The restoration of the theater is considered one of the best restoration efforts in Bulgaria.

More Roman ruins are being discovered all the time - indeed, a whole Roman city has only just been discovered near the Pyrenees in Spain.

  • Name In Bulgarian: Пловдивски античен театър, Plovdivski antichen teatar

Now it is considered one of the world's best-preserved ancient Roman theaters in the world. The theater was known to the Romans as Theatrum Trimontense. It is today located in the center of the modern city of Plovdiv (the ancient city of Philippopolis). Many interesting inscriptions and ancient statues are still preserved at the theater.

Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria and is located in the historical region of Thrace. It is considered the cultural capital of Bulgaria. It was founded as Philippopolis by the father of Alexander the Great - Philip the Great (it was named after him).

Related: This Is How To Spend The Perfect Vacation In Bulgaria’s Varna

Modern Events & Use Of The Roman Theater of Philipopolis

Today the theater is an important part of the cultural life of the city of Plovdiv and its most recognized landmark. Many events are held there - including public events, concerts, operas, plays, and more.

  • Modern Capacity: Up to 3,500 Spectators

Some of the best annual events to time a visit for include:

  • The International Folklore Festival
  • The Opera Festival "Opera Open"
  • The Rock Festival "Sounds of Ages"

There are plenty of other events held in the theater.

Operating Hours:

  • November To March: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (Closed Mondays)
  • April to October: 9.30 am to 6.00 pm (Closed Mondays)

The admission fee to explore the Roman Theater of Philipopolis is 5 BGN ($2.50 USD).

Take one's seat among the 28 concentric rows of seats and feel the ancient history of the region. As one watches modern shows and concerts, think about the ancient shows the Romans would have gone to watch (including gladiatorial fights).