Ancient Theater of Mantineia
Description
The Imposing Monument of the Mantinea Camp with its Pioneering Architecture and the Circular Wall
The Ancient Theater of Mantineia is one of the most important, special and timeless fortified cultural monuments of the entire Central Arcadia. It is located in the heart of the Peloponnese, occupying a privileged lowland location within the archaeological site of the ancient city, approximately 12 kilometers north of Tripoli. The great advantage of the monument is its unique lowland geographical location, as unlike most ancient Greek theaters that were built on natural hillsides, this one was built on an artificial earthen embankment, surrounded by the impressive circular wall of Mantineia.
- Route type: A large, completely flat and accessible archaeological walk that combines dirt paths and visible stone foundations. The tour brings the visitor to the ruins of the monument, where parts of the cavea, the orchestra, as well as the impressive stone retaining walls (retaining wall), which held up the enormous volume of the artificial hill, are preserved.
- Suitable for:Families, students, classical archaeology enthusiasts and travelers looking for a quiet cultural walk. The theater is traditionally famous for its artistic and political character, as it was built during the Hellenistic period (4th-3rd century BC) in the heart of the ancient agora, with a total capacity of almost 6,200 spectators.
- Infrastructure: A gently organized and fenced archaeological site under the protection of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Arcadia. Directly opposite the ancient ruins stands the world-famous, peculiar Church of Agia Fotini which offers direct access to the surrounding area with green, shady trees, seats and a traditional café/refreshment bar. The surrounding area is full of visitable wineries of the Mantinean plain.
- Access: Very easy, fast and direct. The journey from the center of Tripoli takes just 12-15 minutes by car via the Tripoli - Olympia Provincial Road. The route is completely flat and paved, while for visitors from Athens the distance is approximately 1.5 hours via the Olympia Road (Exit for Nemea/Levidi). A large, comfortable free parking area is available in front of the entrance to the archaeological site.
Information