Athens Archaeological Site of Thorikos

Location: Lavrion

The Archaeological Site of Thorikos lies only a short drive away from the port of Lavrion and approximately 50 km away from Athens.
At this location, you will find the ruins of the oldest known theater in Greece (and among the oldest of the ancient world).
This historically significant monument is among the remains of the ancient seafront settlement of Thorikos. It is relatively well-preserved, considering the fact that its estimated date of construction is sometime between 525 and 480 BC. It is believed that some parts of the theater were reconstructed later on.

As for its structure, it has 21 rows and 4000 seats, as well as the ruins of a small temple and an altar dedicated to the god Dionysus.
Unlike the majority of other ancient Greek theaters that are horseshoe shaped, this one is among the rare oval-shaped ones, with a rectangular orchestra.

Despite its significance, the theater has not been restored and remains a hidden gem.

The biggest known Mycenaean tumulus tomb is also located nearby, on the hill of Velatouri, as well as the remnants of a 6th century smelter and an ancient graveyard that was still in use when the theater was constructed.
The entire area is full of various findings, including ruins of ancient houses, unidentified buildings, a 5th century temple dedicated to the goddess Demeter and Kore and a 4th century tower.

As soon as you arrive at the site of the ancient theater, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the sea and the local olive groves.