Ancient Theatre of Delphi
Ancient Theatre of Delphi features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Delphi. Give it roughly ~45 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type theater
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Delphi Delphi guide
About Ancient Theatre of Delphi
A 4th-century-BC theatre of Parnassian limestone set above the temple, its 35 rows seating around 4,500 for the song and music contests of the Pythian Games.
The Ancient Theatre of Delphi stands on the slope above the Temple of Apollo, higher up the hillside within the Sanctuary of Apollo, giving spectators a view over the whole sanctuary and the valley below. It was originally built in the 4th century BC of local limestone from Mount Parnassus. Its koilon, or seating bowl, has 35 rows arranged in two zones separated by a corridor, the diazoma, with 27 rows in the lower zone and 8 in the upper. The theatre held about 4,500 spectators, though some estimates put the figure closer to 5,000.
It was used for the vocal and musical contests that formed part of the Pythian Games. In 160/159 BC it was remodelled at the expense of King Eumenes II of Pergamon, and it was altered again in AD 67 for the visit of the Roman emperor Nero.
Did you know? The theatre saw imperial attention: it was specially altered in AD 67 to prepare for the visit of the Roman emperor Nero, centuries after it was first cut into the hillside.
How long is a visit to Ancient Theatre of Delphi?
Set aside roughly ~45 min for Ancient Theatre of Delphi. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Ancient Theatre of Delphi worth your time?
Ancient Theatre of Delphi is among the 12 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Delphi, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Delphi
Day 2 of the Delphi in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Ancient Theatre of Delphi
Preview the Delphi tour free in the Gingerguide app.