Explore the Theater of Delphi

Theater of Delphi

Theater of Delphi | The cultural heart of Delphi

Part of the Delphi archaeological site, the ancient theater of Delphi hosted plays, poetry recitals, and music performances during festivals and the Pythian Games in Ancient Greece. With theater being an intrinsic part of religious practice, the huge amphitheater was a hub of artistic and cultural expression. It is one of the best preserved ancient Greek theaters.

How to access the theater of Delphi?

Access to the theater of Delphi is included in the Delphi tickets.

Theater of Delphi | Quick facts

Address: Delphi 330 54, Greece | Find on map

Location: Part of the Delphi archaeological site, just above the Temple of Apollo

Date of construction: 4th century BCE

Function: Venue for theatrical performances and musical contests during the Pythian Games

Capacity: 5,000 spectators

A brief timeline of the theater of Delphi

4th century BCE: The theater was first constructed. It is believed that another structure, probably a treasury, was destroyed to make space for it.
160 BCE: Eumenes II of Pergamon financed extensive remodelling and repairs to the theater.
67 AD: Renovations were carried out before the visit of Roman Emperor Nero. These included paving the orchestra floor and adding a stone parapet around it.
2nd century AD: Herodes Atticus, a Roman senator, funded further alterations to the theater alongside the ancient stadium of Delphi.
5th to 14th century AD: After the decline of Ancient Greece, the theater was abandoned along with the rest of the Delphi archaeological site and mostly forgotten.
1438 AD: When Cyriacus of Ancona, an Italian traveler, visited Delphi in the 15th century, the theater was was only partly visible, with rocks and soil covering most of it.
1895 AD: The French School of Archaeology cleared parts of the theatre during the modern excavations in the 19th century.
1927 AD: Greek poet Angelos Sikelianos and his wife Eva Palmer held the First Delphic Festival. A play was performed in the theater of Delphi for the first time in 2,000 years.

Architecture of the theater of Delphi

The ancient theater of Delphi was built in the 4th century BCE and is the largest structure within the “temenos” or the precinct of the Temple of Apollo.
It is designed like a typical Greek amphitheater in a horseshoe shape. Due to the terrain and steep slope on which it is built, its height exceeds its width. The height difference between the top-most row of benches and the orchestra is 15 meters.
The “cavea” or the seating sections are set into the hillside and were made of local Parnassus limestone. Material from a previous structure, which was destroyed to make space for the theater, was also used in its construction.
The theater had 35 rows of benches horizontally divided into two sections – the lower section containing 28 rows and the upper section consisting of seven rows. These sections were further vertically divided by several staircases to give access to the seats.
The “parodoi” or the side entrances provided access to the stage. Their walls were carved with manumission inscriptions, which detailed the freeing of slaves.
The horseshoe-shaped orchestra, which housed the chorus, originally had a diameter of 14 meters which was later expanded to 18 meters. It is separated from the bottom-most row of seats by a corridor.
The rectangular stage was located directly opposite the orchestra, facing the seats. Only its foundations have survived over the centuries.

Frequently asked questions about the theater of Delphi

What are the timings of the theater of Delphi?

The theater is part of the main Delphi archaeological site and follows the same working hours. From April 1 to August 31, the theater is open from 8am to 8pm. From September 1 to October 31, the timings reduce by 30 minutes every two weeks to accommodate the shorter daylight hours. From November 1 to March 31, the theater is open from 8:30am to 3pm.

How can I access the Delphi theater?

The theater is located above the Temple of Apollo. You can reach it by taking the walking path and climbing up. From the top of the theater, you can view the entire Delphi sanctuary on the hillside below.

Can I enter the theater?

Yes, the monument is open to public access and you can enter and walk around the theater.

Is the stadium accessible by wheelchair?

The uphill path leading to the theater is rough and steep, make it unsuitable for wheelchair users to navigate it.