Restoration of ancient theatre

• Category: News
The Central Archaeological Board approved the study for the erection and restoration of the ancient theatre of Thassos. This theatre, which is located next to the Acropolis of Thassos, hosts every summer the successful cultural festival of the island. However, the present situation of the theatre is not suitable to host such an important event. Over the years, the theatre has suffered serious damages due to the intense vegetation in the region. In fact, 72 trees have grown in the cavea and have transfered diseases and fungus on the material of the theatre. Also the roots of these trees have broken many seats. The ancient theatre of Thassos exists from the 5th century B.C., but only its Roman phase can be seen today by visitors. The first excavation was performed by the French Archaeological School in 1921, but the restoration works started in 1957, so that this monument would host the festival of Philippi-Thassos. But few years later, the theatre closed again for excavations, which were competed between 1990 and 1995. Today, there is an effort to restore the theatre once more so that performances can be presented there in summer months.