Bodrum Antique Theater

Did you know that the 2450-year-old Bodrum Antique Theater, which hosts colorful summer shows and concerts in Bodrum, is the only structure that has survived from Bodrum's Classical Age and is one of Turkiye's oldest and most beautiful examples of ancient remains?

The theater was built in the 4th century BC during the reign of Mausolos. According to ancient tradition, the theater was built on the southern slope of Goktepe by carving the seating levels into the soft bedrock. Names are engraved on the stones in some sitting areas.

The theater, which was restored by the Romans in the second century AD, also hosted gladiator and wild animal fights. A 2nd century AD relief discovered in Bodrum and displayed in the British Museum depicts two female gladiators named Achillia and the Amazon. These women are thought to have fought in the Bodrum Antique Theater as well.

First unearthed in the 1960s, the official excavation of the Bodrum Antique Theater was led by Prof. Dr. Umit Serdaroglu between 1976 and 1985. In 2002-2003, the theater was restored to its current state. Although it has a capacity of approximately 13,000 people, only a portion of it has been restored, so a maximum of 3,500 people can find a seat with tickets at the summer concerts. The theater, which is easily accessible because it is just above the highway, has a breathtaking view of the entire city of Bodrum.

Every day except Mondays, you can visit the Bodrum Antique Theater, which is also a museum run by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Bodrum Antique Theater
Yenikoy Mahallesi, Kıbrıs Sehitleri Caddesi Bodrum

0 252 316 80 61
E-Mail : bodrummuzesi@ktb.gov.tr