Ancient Theater of Megalopolis

The Largest Building of Ancient Greece with the Imposing Cave and the Thersileian Bouleuterion The Ancient Theater of Megalopolis is one of the most imposing, monumental and timeless works of art in the whole of Arcadia. It is located in the heart of the Peloponnese, in a prime location in the archaeological site of the ancient Megalopolis, just 3 kilometers outside the modern city of Megalopolis and about 35 kilometers from Tripoli. The huge advantage of the monument is its unimaginable size, as Pausanias described it as the "greatest in Greece", having been designed to serve the political gatherings of the Common of the Arcadians and large performances, on an area embraced by the Elissona river.

• Type of route: A large, free and passable archaeological walk that combines dirt paths and impressive stone architectural elements. The tour brings the visitor in front of a hollow with a maximum diameter of 145 meters and a huge orchestra of 30 meters. In the first row of pews, nine inscribed stone thrones of the presidencies are still preserved, while right next to them are the foundations of the Thersileian Parliament, which could hold 6,000 seated and 10,000 standing.
• Good for: Families, students, lovers of classical architecture and travelers looking to be in awe of the greatest works of antiquity. The site is traditionally famous for its artistic and political character, as it was built shortly after 370 BC. by the Argive architect Polycleitos the Younger and featured a unique, innovative mobile wooden stage on wheels (which was kept in the western aisle, the "scenothica").
• Infrastructure: A lightly developed archaeological site, which is under constant maintenance and enhancement of its stands. Admission is free for the public. There are information signs in the area, while the proximity to the city of Megalopolis ensures direct access to all kinds of infrastructure (hotels, cafes, shops and traditional Arcadian taverns).
• Access: Easy, fast and direct. The transition from the center of Megalopolis takes only 5 minutes by car, following the paved road to Karytaina. From Tripoli, the distance is covered in about 25-30 minutes via the modern highway, while Athens is about 2 hours away. In front of the entrance to the archaeological site, a comfortable free parking space is available.