BODRUM ANTIQUE THEATER
Brief History;
Antique Theater It corresponds to the southern slope of Göktepe, which is located in the north of the ancient city of Halicarnassus and was used as a necropolis. B.C. This magnificent building, which is dated to the 4th century, reflects all the features of theaters before the Roman Imperial Age.
Theater can be considered in three parts.
Seating Rows (Cavea) Section:
It was built with marble blocks carved into a horseshoe shape and placed on roughly shaped bedrock together with seating levels. Seating rows are divided into two transversely by a way that passes horizontally (Diazoma) in the middle. Although the lower part has survived to the present day, the upper part is in a dilapidated state due to the destruction of nature and people. The rows of seats are further divided into 12 sections by 11 vertical stairs (Kerkides). These horizontal and vertical transitions were made to facilitate the filling and emptying of the theater. The sitting area is larger than a semi-circle, indicating that it is one of the oldest stone theaters.
Orchestral Section:
It is located in the middle of the theater and was made larger than a semi-circle in accordance with the seating area. The altar in the middle, just in front of the rows of seats, was placed for offerings to Dionyssos, a god who emerged in Anatolia. Towards the end of the Roman Age, gladiator and wild animal fights were held in such theaters. Here, too, it is possible to see the remnants of the balustrade separating the spectators from the fighters.
Stage Structure:
It is located in the southern part of the theatre. It was built to cover the open part of the horseshoe-shaped seating area. It is a rectangular structure. It can be seen that it is a two-storey structure and there is a podium in front of the stage facing the orchestra. On the wall at the back of this section, cavities can be seen on which portable decorative plates are hung, depending on the game to be played. The doors in the stage structure are the doors used by the actors and protocol in the game. The entrances (Parados) located between the stage building and the sitting area are reserved for the entrances and exits of the audience.
The Ancient Theater is the only structure that has survived from Bodrum in the Classical Age and is one of the oldest theaters in Anatolia. Restored by a group of Turks in the 1960s, this theater has been hosting many festivals in Bodrum since 2002. Among the interesting features of the theater are the altar where the sacrifices were sacrificed for Dionysus before the plays and the holes between some of the seats that may have been used as a canopy. With a distance of 40 cm between each seat, the theater has a capacity of 13.000 people. It has a perfect view of Bodrum and Bodrum Castle.
Where and How to Get There?
Address: Yeniköy Mahallesi, Kıbrıs Şehitleri Caddesi, Bodrum
It is in the city center of Bodrum. Easily accessible by public transport
Visiting hours
Opening hours for the winter period 08:00 – 17:00
Opening hours for the summer period 08:00 – 19:00
Museum rules
- All museums in Bodrum are closed on Mondays. It is free.
- The museum is not suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Pets are not allowed except guide dogs
- It is important to plan before the trip. Check the opening hours of Bodrum Antique Theater and if there is an entrance fee. You can also book a tour with a local guide if possible. Guided tours can help you learn more about the theater and better understand its historical significance.
- In order to better understand the Bodrum Antique Theater, it may be useful to acquire some historical knowledge beforehand. You can make your visit more meaningful by doing some reading about the history and importance of the theatre.
- Prefer to dress comfortably while visiting Bodrum Antique Theater. You can have a comfortable experience by choosing light and cool clothes. It is also recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, as you may encounter stairs and stony paths while visiting the theatre.
- Bodrum is usually in a sunny climate, so it’s important to complement your theater visit with sun protection. Protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun by wearing sunscreen equipment such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Make sure you have water with you during your theater visit. Smoking , consuming food and drink ( excluding water ) is prohibited in the indoor and outdoor areas of the museum .
- Bodrum Antique Theater has an impressive historical structure and you may want to take photos for personal use. However, it is important to check the photography rules, as some ancient structures are under protection. Photography may be prohibited in some areas, so watch for signs and follow directions. The use of the images taken for other than personal purposes is prohibited.
- Children under the age of 12 can travel with an adult.
- Bodrum Antique Theater is just one of Bodrum’s historical and touristic attractions. You may also want to visit other attractions such as Bodrum Castle, Bodrum Underwater Archeology Museum and Bodrum Marina. In this way, you can discover the general beauties of Bodrum.
- There are some rules and guidelines in the museum. It is important to follow the rules that restrict entry to certain areas. Follow these guidelines to respect the preservation of the museum and the experience of other visit
Click to download the museum brochure
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