Ancient Roman Theatre

The crown jewel of this city is the Roman Theatre, also known as the Ancient Theatre of Philippopol – one of the best preserved in the world. Nestled in the saddle between two of the three hills upon which the Old Town is built – Dzhambaz Tepe and Taksim Tepe – it overlooks the southern side of the city. It was constructed in the 1st century AD and used for theatre performances, gladiator games and hunting spectacles. Inscriptions mark the seats reserved for notable member of Roman society, as was customary in the region at the time. The inscriptions imply that the theatre was also used as the seat of the Thracian Provincial Assembly. It can hold between 5000 and 7000 spectators and is still in use today as a stage for opera, music concerts, and other cultural events, the most famous of which is the “Opera Open” summer festival.