Greece Celebrates Long-awaited Opening of Larissa’s Ancient Theater

The Ancient Theater of Larisa. Photo source: Ministry of Culture.

The Ancient Theater of Larissa recently reopened to the public, following 21 years of restoration works.

On the occasion of the theater’s long-awaited opening, a ceremony was held and attended by Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, local officials and culture and tourism stakeholders.

Funded by the Greek Culture Ministry and the Thessaly Region, the theater’s restoration began in 2002 with works including its excavation, the installation of new seats where needed, the restoration of the stage, and the construction of a new access ramp.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni and Thessaly Governor Kostas Agorastos (photo center) at the Ancient Theater of Larisa. Photo source: Culture Ministry.

During her speech at the ceremony, Mendoni said that the reopening of the theater was a “long-awaited milestone” for the city of Larissa and its residents. She thanked the many people who had worked on the project, including the staff of the Larissa Ephorate of Antiquities and the Regional Governor Kostas Agorastos, among others.

The minister added that in the first months of 2024, the restoration of the remaining parts of the theater will be completed and the access for people with disabilities from Larissa’s Venizelos pedestrian street will be handed over for use.

Photo source: Municipality of Larissa

The 10,000-seat open-air theater is situated on the south of Frourio Hill and was constructed inside the ancient city’s center on order of King Philip V of Macedonia in the 3rd century BC. For six centuries, until the end of the 3rd century AD, the first Ancient Theater of Larissa, hosted theatrical performances and political assemblies.

Following Mendoni’s speech, the Larissa Symphonic Orchestra presented an original musical composition and the “Estoudiantina” of Nea Ionia Magnesia, presented the musical program “Mare Nostrum – A Journey to Mediterranean Music” in collaboration with the Greek National Opera.

The theater is expected to become a major cultural venue in Larissa with a number of events already scheduled to take place next year including concerts, plays, and festivals.