Ancient Theatre

The Ancient Theatre of Ohrid is the only known Hellenistic theatre in North Macedonia and one of the most important archaeological monuments in the town. It was built in the late 3rd or early 2nd century BC, when Lychnidos (the ancient name of Ohrid) was an important centre of the ancient world.

The theatre is carved into the slopes of the hill below Samuel's Fortress, with a view of the lake and the town. Parts of the auditorium, the orchestra and the stage construction survive from the original building.

In the Roman period the space was remodelled and used for public spectacles, and later it was gradually abandoned. Archaeological excavations in the 20th century brought the theatre back to light.

Today its stage comes alive again with concerts, theatre performances and other cultural events, especially during the Ohrid Summer Festival. Set between the old houses, the fortress and the lake, the theatre is one of the places where ancient heritage meets the modern cultural life of Ohrid.