Sightseeing in Bodrum: The Ancient Amphitheatre

Those sightseeing in Bodrum must also visit the ancient amphitheatre which is situated on a hillside just above the main Bodrum - Gumbet highway.

The ancient amphitheatre, which is effectively cut into the hillside, in Bodrum has been impressively restored, and is used on a number of occasions, including the music and arts festival in September.

The amphitheatre has the main components of any amphitheatre - a semi-circle shaped seating area for the audience, space in front of the audience for the orchestra, and of course, a stage.

It originally seated 13,000 people, although the capacity currently isn't more than 7,000. The amphitheatre offers fantastic views of Bodrum city and the harbour, and is worth a sightseeing trip for this reason alone.

The amphitheatre was constructed sometime during the Hellenistic age; 330 - 30BC and as such it is one of the oldest amphitheatres in the region. The amphitheatre is attributed to the reign of King Maulosus, however the construction wasn't fully completed until the Roman era.

If you look carefully, some names have been engraved into the seats, either to ensure the engraver always guaranteed himself a seat, or the names could be names or those who contributed financially to the construction of the ancient amphitheatre in Bodrum.

More Sightseeing...

St. Peter's Castle
The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology
The Mausoleum of Halikarnassus
The Ottoman Tower
The Ancient Amphitheatre
The Myndos Gate
Kara Ada
Iassos