Visitors say
The ancient amphitheatre of Mytilene, Is a lovely little spot very tranquil and I’d highly recommend if you were into ancient monuments go and have a look. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed
It is very ruined but there is a useful informational sign. 5E per adult. Plenty of shade to sit under and look at the theater. Open on first Wednesday in July at 11:00. Photo of sign with open hours attached to this review.
About
The Ancient Theatre of Mytilene stands as one of the most historically significant ancient monuments on Lesvos, carved into the hillside above the island's capital city. Built during the Hellenistic period, likely in the 3rd or 2nd century BC, it was once one of the largest theatres in the ancient Greek world, with an estimated capacity of around 10,000 spectators. Its fame reached far beyond the Aegean — ancient sources record that the Roman general Pompey was so struck by its design and grandeur that he used it as the direct inspiration for the Theatre of Pompey in Rome, completed in 55 BC and the first permanent stone theatre in the Roman world. That a provincial island theatre could serve as the template for a landmark of imperial Rome speaks volumes about the cultural and architectural ambition of ancient Mytilene.
Today, the site rewards visitors with a compelling layering of history visible in the surviving stone remains. The cavea, or seating area, was hewn directly into the natural slope of the hill, a characteristic technique of Greek theatrical architecture that made elegant use of the landscape. While the structure has weathered centuries of spoliation — stones were repurposed for later Byzantine and Ottoman-era construction — ongoing archaeological work has gradually revealed the scale and sophistication of what once stood here. The elevated position also offers sweeping views over Mytilene and the surrounding area, giving a sense of how commanding this space must have felt to ancient audiences.
For visitors to Lesvos with an interest in antiquity, the Ancient Theatre of Mytilene is an essential stop. It sits close to the centre of Mytilene town, making it easy to combine with a broader exploration of the capital's rich archaeological and Byzantine heritage. Standing among its remains, you are treading ground that connects Lesbos directly to the grandest cultural projects of the ancient Mediterranean world.
Before you go
What to expect
The theatre sits high on the hillside above Mytilene, its stone cavea carved directly into the slope — a technique that lets the landscape do the structural work. Visitors explore the weathered tiers while taking in broad views over the city and the strait toward Turkey. Knowing that Pompey was moved enough by this very theatre to replicate it in Rome gives the ruins an unexpected historical weight.
Best time to visit
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for this exposed hilltop site; summer visits are possible but the open terrain offers little shade.
How to get there
The theatre is less than a kilometre from central Mytilene, reachable on foot through the Alyfada neighbourhood or by a short drive up the hill; it pairs naturally with the nearby Byzantine castle.
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Visitor Reviews
Leda Valeva
August 2025
Today is Tuesday, 21th of August, 13:30, and the place is closed. We walked an hour to come here. There isn’t any plate saying it’s close today. So disappointed!
CreepyCat Caro (Miezessin)
August 2025
5€/person for just a theatre and some stones. Lesbos is our 5th greek island to visit and we NEVER had to pay to see an ancient theatre. Most small archeological places dont cost anything, but here you have to pay for every little stone. No thanks. Looking through the fence was enough.
Jill Briesch
July 2025
It is very ruined but there is a useful informational sign. 5E per adult. Plenty of shade to sit under and look at the theater. Open on first Wednesday in July at 11:00. Photo of sign with open hours attached to this review.
Peter Bermingham
June 2025
The ancient amphitheatre of Mytilene, Is a lovely little spot very tranquil and I’d highly recommend if you were into ancient monuments go and have a look. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed
Fulvio Nani
March 2025
I was there during opening hours but it was closed. so I climbed over and went to visit it. after 5 minutes a person arrives, saying he was a policeman, asking me why I climbed over... anyway it's not worth the price of the ticket of 3€
Joan Cartales
November 2024
We took a nice walk through a forested area on the edge of Mytilini to reach this monument. It was closed, unfortunately, but we could easily see through the fence and gate. It's not excavated, which leaves one to use one's imagination, which I like. It's a very peaceful setting with great views from the entry point of the castle and the sea. A lovely spot for some solitude and contemplation. Not as spectacular as some of the excavated theaters, but beautiful in its own way, to me. No other people around.
Seray Topçu Yılmaz
September 2024
Normally, I really enjoy the visit Ancient Theaters but there is no digging in this theater. It was closed and even though environment was quiet and piece there are lots of garbages. Please put a camera because there was even used condoms on the ground!
Aqua
December 2021
The awesome location reminds you of the glorious past and standing in the middle looking at the place that once hosted 18,000 spectators is mind blowing! However, the restoration didn't really proceed beyond putting stones ina row. The entrance of the road is turned into a garbage dumping zone which is really a pity for this historical landscape!
Y.H.
April 2020
The ancient theater of Mytilene stands on the east side of the hill of Agia Kyriaki, about 1 km west to the center of the city of Mytilene, amidst evergreen pine woods. The theatre was built in the early Hellenistic time and it was one of the largest in Greece at that period. It was built between 300 and 100 BC, and according to the archaeologists who investigated the site, the theater has been renewed by a Roman architect, named Pompey that copied its design from the theater he built in Rome in 55 BC, making it a model for Roman theaters. Unfortunately, although the site was a bit excavated, it still need a lot of work of excavation and restoration. The theater contained approximately 10,000 marble seats, of which you can still find some samples on the site. The site has been used for poetry and music events and theatrical performances years ago, and it is still being used from time to time for small-scale cultural events of the local community.
Richard Lawton
July 2019
I found this a lovely place, very tranquil (I was the only person there, despite it being in Mytilini). It has lots of history, but very little remains of the theatre itself. So there is no "wow factor" for a casual visitor, but anyone with a love of ancient history will appreciate it.
