Philippi Festival
History of the Ancient Theatre of Philippi
HOW TO GET THERE
The ancient theatre of Philippi is located in the ancient city. The ancient city is located in eastern Macedonia, specifically in the regional unit of Kavala, in the area formerly known as Krinides.
The city of Philippi was founded in 360 B C as a colony of the Thasians and occupied a strategic position. In 356 B C Philip II conquered the city, completed its fortifications and renamed it Philippi. The first phase of the ancient theatre dates from this period. The city became one of the most important in Macedonia.
The moment of prosperity for Philippi was in the 2nd century AD, as evidenced by the splendid buildings that adorned the city, the most important of which was the renovated theatre.
In the early Christian period the city became an important urban centre with a Greek character.
Finally, in the 7th century A.D., a severe earthquake and barbarian raids led to the shrinking of the city, the life of which was transferred to the acropolis. After the Ottoman conquest, the city was abandoned.
In 1957, the first performance of ancient drama took place in the Philippi Theatre. It was the first time that the ancient theatre was brought back to life after 24 centuries. The official opening of the Philippi-Thassos Festival took place in 1961, shortly after the revival of the theatre.
PLEASE ARRIVE AT LEAST 45 MINUTES BEFORE THE START OF THE PERFORMANCE
INFORMATION - PRESALE
KAVALA
Visitor Information Centre (former EOT)
Central Square
Tel.:+30 2510-620566 2510-620566
Due to the special circumstances of this year’s edition, tickets can only be purchased online using a debit or credit card on the viva.gr and ticketservices.gr websites.
If the event is cancelled, an announcement will be made regarding refunding the ticket price.
SPECIAL TICKET PRICES
The categories of eligible persons are defined by the respective format. Reduced prices are available for actors with a current Actors’ Union card and for drama teachers with a current Drama Teachers’ Card.
Event start times
July 21:30
August 21:00
September 20.30
The festival is run in accordance with the specific guidelines of the health authorities, with public health as a priority and with a sense of responsibility towards the audience and the artists.
*There may be minor changes to dates or venues.
Please remember that the following are prohibited
- Entering the theatre after the performance has started.
- Smoking or consuming food or drink in the theatre after the performance has started.
- Taking photographs, recording or filming, with or without flash, during the performance.
- Admission of children under the age of 6.
- Tipping
- Returning tickets.
The following are required:
- Presentation of identification upon entry to the theatre for students, under 18, large families and military personnel, who will receive a discounted ticket.
- Mobile phones must be switched off during the performance.
BY CAR
The Ancient Theatre of Philippi is located at the 16th kilometre of the Kavala – Drama provincial road, just after the village of Krinides and before Lydia.
WHERE TO PARK
Parking your car should not be a problem as there is unlimited space in the parking area and in the streets surrounding the Ancient Theatre.
BY BUS
The intercity bus service of Kavala usually operates a return service to all performances at the Ancient Theatre of Philippi.
For more information on timetables, call +30 2510 222294
