Roman Theatre at Palmyra, Palmyra

Name: Roman Theatre at Palmyra
Address: Palmyra, Syria

#1 among attractions in Palmyra

Top attraction, Archaeological site

Gallery (8)

Map

Gallery

Facts and practical information

The Roman Theatre at Palmyra is a historical gem nestled in the ancient city of Palmyra, Syria. This majestic structure, built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, is a testament to the city's rich cultural past and significance along the Silk Road. The theater is one of the most prominent and well-preserved landmarks in Tadmur, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Roman architectural prowess.

With a seating capacity that once held thousands of spectators, the theater's semi-circular orchestra and the auditorium are characteristic of the Roman architectural style. The stage building, adorned with columns and a proscenium, is a stunning backdrop that once hosted a variety of performances, from dramatic plays to political gatherings.

Visitors today can marvel at the theater's impressive colonnades and the intricate stonework that has withstood the test of time. The acoustics of the theater, designed to carry sound naturally to the farthest seats, are a testament to the engineering skills of the ancient Romans. Walking through the cavea, guests can imagine the bustling crowds that once filled the space, echoing with the sounds of entertainment and oratory.

The Roman Theatre at Palmyra is not only a site of historical significance but also a symbol of resilience. Despite the damage it has suffered in recent years due to conflict, efforts have been made to preserve and restore this iconic monument.

Local name: مسرح تدمر Architectural style: Ancient Roman architectureWidth: 302 ftCoordinates: 34°33'2"N, 38°16'7"E

Address

Palmyra Syria

ContactAdd

Social media

Add

Palmyra

Day trips

Roman Theatre at Palmyra – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Valley of the Tombs, Palmyra Castle, Temple of Bel, Camp of Diocletian.

0.9 miW
Cemetery
Valley of the Tombs, Palmyra
24 min walk • Nestled in the heart of the ancient city of Palmyra in Syria, the Valley of the Tombs stands as a timeless testament to the grandeur of a civilization long past. This remarkable necropolis, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a unique glimpse into the burial...
1.1 miNW
Forts and castles
Palmyra Castle, Palmyra
28 min walk • Palmyra Castle, also known as Fakhr-al-Din al-Ma'ani Castle or Tadmur Castle, is a castle overlooking Palmyra in the province of Homs, Syria.
~1950 ftSE
Temple
Temple of Bel, Palmyra
10 min walk • The Temple of Bel, sometimes also referred to as the "Temple of Baal", was an ancient temple located in Palmyra, Syria. The temple, consecrated to the Mesopotamian god Bel, worshipped at Palmyra in triad with the lunar god Aglibol and the sun god Yarhibol, formed the center of religious life in Palmyra and was dedicated in AD 32.
0.5 miNW
Forts and castles
Camp of Diocletian, Palmyra
13 min walk • The Camp of Diocletian was a Roman military complex, or castra, built in the ancient city of Palmyra in the Syrian Desert. The complex was built under the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the late third-century CE and served as the military headquarters for the Legio I Illyricorum.
0.5 miNW
Monuments and statues
Lion of Al-lāt, Palmyra
13 min walk • The Lion of Al-lāt is an ancient statue that adorned the Temple of Al-Lat in Palmyra, Syria. On 27 June 2015, it was severely damaged by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant after it had captured Palmyra.
~890 ftNW
Street
Great Colonnade at Palmyra, Palmyra
5 min walk • The Great Colonnade at Palmyra was the main colonnaded avenue in the ancient city of Palmyra in the Syrian Desert. The colonnade was built in several stages during the second and third century CE and stretched for more than a kilometer.
~730 ftE
Arch
Monumental Arch of Palmyra, Palmyra
4 min walk • The Monumental Arch, also called the Arch of Triumph or the Arch of Septimius Severus, was a Roman ornamental archway in Palmyra, Syria. It was built in the 3rd century during the reign of emperor Septimius Severus. Its ruins later became one of the main attractions of Palmyra until it was officially destroyed by the ISIS in 2015.
~1080 ftN
Ruins
Baalshamin, Palmyra
6 min walk • Baalshamin, also called Baal Shamem and Baal Shamaim, was a Northwest Semitic god and a title applied to different gods at different places or times in ancient Middle Eastern inscriptions, especially in Canaan/Phoenicia and Syria. The title was most often applied to Hadad, who is also often titled just Ba‘al.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Roman Theatre at Palmyra?

Nearby attractions include Monumental Arch of Palmyra, Palmyra (4 min walk), Great Colonnade at Palmyra, Palmyra (5 min walk), Baalshamin, Palmyra (6 min walk), Temple of Bel, Palmyra (10 min walk).