Hellenistic-Roman Theatre, Paphos
The Hellenistic-Roman Theatre, which once echoed with the voices of actors and the applause of spectators, tells the story of a cultural heritage that spans centuries.
Built around 300 BC by the Ptolemies of Alexandria, this theatre found its home on the southern slope of a hill, on the northeast side of the ancient walled city of Nea Paphos. It stood as a testament to the enduring love for the performing arts during Greek and Roman times, and its existence continued until the late 4th century AD.
The theatre underwent several transformations throughout its history, with at least five major phases of building and renovation. These phases reflect the evolving nature of performances, from the early Greek traditions to the opulence of the Roman period, as well as responses to damages caused by earthquakes.
At the zenith of its glory, during the reign of the Roman Antonine emperors in the mid-second century AD, the theatre's stage building was adorned with a majestic marble facade. With a remarkable width of 90 meters and a cavea that could accommodate over 8,000 spectators at an impressive angle of 26.5 degrees, this theatre was a true marvel of ancient engineering and architecture.
However, by the end of the third century AD, likely in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in 365 AD, the theatre was abandoned. Much of its stonework was repurposed and carried away for use in other construction projects throughout the town. For centuries, the theatre lay in silent repose, a relic of bygone times.
Yet, in the 12th and 13th centuries AD, the theatre experienced a renaissance of sorts. The bustling activity around the Paphos harbour, now a crucial economic hub for Crusaders en route to the Holy Land, brought renewed life to this ancient site.
Built around 300 BC by the Ptolemies of Alexandria, this theatre found its home on the southern slope of a hill, on the northeast side of the ancient walled city of Nea Paphos. It stood as a testament to the enduring love for the performing arts during Greek and Roman times, and its existence continued until the late 4th century AD.
The theatre underwent several transformations throughout its history, with at least five major phases of building and renovation. These phases reflect the evolving nature of performances, from the early Greek traditions to the opulence of the Roman period, as well as responses to damages caused by earthquakes.
At the zenith of its glory, during the reign of the Roman Antonine emperors in the mid-second century AD, the theatre's stage building was adorned with a majestic marble facade. With a remarkable width of 90 meters and a cavea that could accommodate over 8,000 spectators at an impressive angle of 26.5 degrees, this theatre was a true marvel of ancient engineering and architecture.
However, by the end of the third century AD, likely in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in 365 AD, the theatre was abandoned. Much of its stonework was repurposed and carried away for use in other construction projects throughout the town. For centuries, the theatre lay in silent repose, a relic of bygone times.
Yet, in the 12th and 13th centuries AD, the theatre experienced a renaissance of sorts. The bustling activity around the Paphos harbour, now a crucial economic hub for Crusaders en route to the Holy Land, brought renewed life to this ancient site.
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Hellenistic-Roman Theatre on Map
Sight Name: Hellenistic-Roman Theatre
Sight Location: Paphos, Cyprus (See walking tours in Paphos)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Paphos, Cyprus (See walking tours in Paphos)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Paphos, Cyprus
Create Your Own Walk in Paphos
Creating your own self-guided walk in Paphos is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Paphos Archaeological Park Walking Tour
Paphos is divided into two parts. Kato Paphos, the area near the harbor, is where all the archaeological sites are located, while Ktima (Old Town) is where you'll find the museums. The Archaeological Park of Kato Paphos has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1980.
This park includes sites and monuments from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages, while most remains... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
This park includes sites and monuments from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages, while most remains... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Paphos Introduction Walking Tour
For most people, the mesmerizing town of Paphos on the southwestern coast of Cyprus is all about sun, sand, and sea. However, alongside its beachy vibes, this seaside resort is home to a swag of important historical tourist attractions that contributed to Paphos being anointed European Capital of Culture in 2017.
Indeed, as a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, Paphos is steeped in both... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Indeed, as a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, Paphos is steeped in both... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles