After being closed to the public in 2012, so that comprehensive restoration work could begin, the reopening of the ancient theatre on the North Aegean island of Thassos may be in sight.

The theatre, which dates back to at least the 5th century BCE, served during the ancient Greek era as the venue for the presentation of plays and other artistic performances, whilst later in Roman times, gladiatorial combat and wild animal fights were also staged.

Restoration

With total grants of 5.3 million euros from the NSRF (Greek National Strategic Reference Framework) the last decade has seen the theatre dismantled to facilitate extensive work on the marble auditorium, the building of visitor facilities and the laying of power and water services.

By November of this year, the reinstatement of the upper layers of ancient seating had been completed and work on the lower layers had begun.

We hope that after a decade of being closed to both locals and visitors to the island, the wonders of the ancient site, perched high on the acropolis above Limenas (Thassos Town), will be once more accessible.

(The history of the theatre and acropolis can be found on pages 54 – 57 of the ‘A to Z Guide to Thassos’).