Anfi Tiyatro Article

Of the many ruins scattered across Fethiye, tucked away, surrounded by houses and streets and businesses, sits an ancient, outdoor amphitheatre dating back to the second century.

1. Uncovering the Ancient Theatre

As recently as the late 1990’s, this spectacular amphitheatre steeped in history truly started to gain attention. Its ancient frame had not only severely eroded and faded with age, but the greenery surrounding its seats slowly encroached towards the stage like an eager audience member, ready to share in the excitement of a live performance. Though its crumbled frame showed neglect, people could easily envision people long ago enjoying live concerts in the naturally acoustic environment with the Fethiye bay as the stage backdrop.

2. Restoration

Since its late discovery, many pleas were made for its restoration. Sitting just beside the Fethiye harbour, the people envisioned the possibility of future spectacular events and concerts performed with the breathtaking backdrop of the Fethiye harbour at sunset and the soft sea breeze that would float through the open amphitheatre. The amphitheatre would have, at one point, consisted of roman columns, and enough seats to accommodate up to 6,000 audience members all facing a beautiful stage with a backdrop of the lovely sea and harbour.

Restoration did eventually commence on the theatre. Where the grass had overtaken the many now eroded seats, they uncovered where the seats would have once been situated and constructed new seats. The amphitheatre’s once dilapidated and neglected state has now been partially restored to recall how it once might have appeared upon original construction.

3. Visiting Today

Today, while you cannot walk onto the site, you may stand apart from it and see the beautiful theatre looking out over the harbour. Unfortunately, though restoration commenced roughly four or five years ago, the site remains at a stand-still. Restoration sits, paused for now, rendering it in a still state of waiting. Waiting for the one day it can return to its former tranquil and harmonious state. So although you may not venture into the fully reconstructed theatre, you can see what people must have once enjoyed as a gorgeous outdoor theatre just off the Mediterranean Sea.