The Ancient Theater of Mytilene — Attraction in Municipality of Mytilene

The ancient theater of Mytilene stands on the east side of the hill of Agia Kyriaki, about 1 km west to the center of the city of Mytilene, amidst evergreen pine woods. The theatre was built in the early Hellenistic time and it was one of the largest in Greece at that period.

It was built between 300 and 100 BC, and according to the archaeologists who investigated the site, the theater has been renewed by a Roman architect, named Pompey that copied its design from the theater he built in Rome in 55 BC, making it a model for Roman theaters. Unfortunately, although the site was a bit excavated, it still need a lot of work of excavation and restoration. The theater contained approximately 10,000 marble seats, of which you can still find some samples on the site. The site has been used for poetry and music events and theatrical performances years ago, and it is still being used from time to time for small-scale cultural events of the...

We took a nice walk through a forested area on the edge of Mytilini to reach this monument. It was closed, unfortunately, but we could easily see through the fence and gate. It's not excavated, which leaves one to use one's imagination, which I like. It's a very peaceful setting with great views from the entry point of the castle and the sea. A lovely spot for some solitude and contemplation. Not as spectacular as some of the excavated theaters, but beautiful in its own way, to me. No other...

This is such a prime location for the city of Mytilini. Sad to see it sitting empty and unused. As the ancients noted… this should be a place shared by all. I believe Mytilini should find a way to preserve and maintain usage for the residents rather than let these primary sites lie fallow. Dubrovnik maintained its stone cities so that the spaces are still used today. Mytilini should find a way to...