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If historical landmarks are your thing, then Bodrum Amphitheatre is worth visiting. Located on a hillside, the theatre offers classic views over Bodrum Castle and the harbour. The amphitheatre stems from the era of ancient Halicarnassus, with much history attached to discover. The sheer size makes the theatre worth visiting, whether you live in Bodrum or are on holiday.
About Bodrum Amphitheatre
This glorious landmark is accredited to King Mausolus, but the grand design and structure weren’t completed until Roman times. Dating from the 4th century B.C, the well-preserved theatre gives excellent insights into Bodrum’s historical significance.
The amphitheatre was built initially around three main parts; Skene (stage area), Orchestra, and Cavea (audience seating area). Classical in design, and featuring fine Greek architecture, in its heyday, the theatre had 13,000 seating capacities and was regularly used for Gladiator fights and plays. Some seats are inscribed with the names of those who helped pay for and design the theatre.
After evacuations in 1973, the amphitheatre became an open-air museum. Excavations are still ongoing today, with more history and culture to discover. In peak summer months, find concerts and other high-quality shows on display, alongside some of Turkey’s top stars performing at the theatre and even world-renowned international artists. The amphitheatre is also used during the September Festival.
Visiting Bodrum Theatre
Located on the road leading to Gumbet, find the Amphitheatre in Goktepe, at the main highway Kibris Sehitler Cad. Drive there from anywhere in Bodrum, or several public transport options are available for a small fee. For example, Dolmus buses from Gumbet only take 10 minutes to get there. During peak season, opening hours at the theatre are from 8:00 until 19:00. If visiting during summer peak season, wake up early to beat queues and traffic of tourists. During off-peak months, the theatre is usually open from around 8:30 until 16:30. Anyone visiting Bodrum Amphitheatre will pay entrance fees for admittance but expect fantastic coastline views.
Other Places to Visit in Bodrum
Bodrum Castle: Standing on the coastline of Turkey’s Aegean Sea, the castle is a prominent landmark and tourist attraction. The castle also houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, home to the Uluburun shipwreck, the oldest ever found. Visiting the castle delights everyone, and the entrance is in the town centre harbour district.
Halicarnassus Ruins: Bodrum was the location of the Halicarnassus mausoleum, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, along with the hanging gardens of Babylon. Although little is left of this grand structure that inspired architectural styles all over the ancient world, the foundations remain and give great insights into Bodrum’s early history.
Bodrum Area Guide: If you plan to stay in Bodrum or buy property, our area guide will come in handy. Alongside attractions like the Bodrum amphitheatre, the guide also talks about the different resorts that make up the peninsula, more things to do, and places to go in Turkey’s Bodrum peninsula.
