Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, Ohrid (must see)

The Ancient Theater of Ohrid is a remarkable relic of the Hellenistic period, built sometime around the end of the 3rd or beginning of the 2nd century BC. It is generally regarded as the only surviving Hellenistic-type theater in North Macedonia, in contrast to the Roman-period theaters at Scupi, Stobi, and Heraclea Lyncestis. Only part of the original seating survives, so its original capacity is uncertain.

Nestled between two hills in Ohrid’s Old Town, the theater was naturally protected from winds that might interfere with its acoustics. It was originally intended for plays, music, and poetry. After the Roman conquest of the region in 148 BC, it was altered considerably. Several lower rows of seats were removed, the orchestra was converted into an arena, and cages were constructed for wild animals. Gladiatorial contests and animal fights were then staged here, and later expansion increased its capacity to about 5,000 spectators.

With the spread of Christianity during the 4th century AD, the theater fell out of use and was probably damaged along with other buildings associated with pagan public life. Stone from its seats and other architectural elements was later reused in churches and other structures around Ohrid. Over the centuries, much of the theater disappeared beneath later development.

Scholars had suspected the existence of an ancient theater at Ohrid by the beginning of the 20th century. Excavations in 1935 partly uncovered it, while work in 1959–1960 established its exact position and dimensions. Further excavations in 1977 and 1984 revealed the entrances, orchestra, arena, and rows of seating. Among the finds were marble reliefs depicting Dionysus and the Muses, fitting decorations for a building devoted originally to theatrical performance.

A major project to uncover and revitalize the theater began in 1999, and performances returned to the reconstructed space in 2001. Today it hosts plays, concerts, operas, and other events and is one of the principal venues of the Ohrid Summer Festival. International performers who have appeared on its stage include tenor José Carreras, who sang there in 2005.