The ancient theater of Aigeira is situated near the town of Aigeira offering a view to the Corinthian gulf. Its construction dates back to 280-250 Β.C. Similar to the orchestra, the koilo is hewn on natural rock and when not available the soil was cut to accommodate stone seats. During the Hellenistic period the Ancient Theater of Aigeira consisted of a two storey building. A corridor divides the koilo into two parts with a total capacity of 3.000 spectators, its total length reaching 30,70 m. Work on the monument began in August 2011 and the operation was completed in December 2015.The restoration of the ancient theater of Aigeira as a sub-project of the larger project “Restoration and promotion of the archaeological site of Paleokastro Aigon (Ancient Aigeira)” has been included in the NSRF.
At present, the First Phase of the Ancient Theatre’s restoration has been completed. Detailed information on the studies and works pertaining to the theatre’s restoration and promotion is provided below:
The restoration of the ancient theatre of Aigeira as a sub-project of the larger project “Restoration and promotion of the archaeological site of Paleokastro Aigon (Ancient Aigeira)” was completed with €450,000.00 of financing under the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF)- Operational Programme (OP) “Western Greece – Peloponnese – Ionian Islands 2007-2013”.
Works on the monument began in August 2011 and were completed in December 2015. Archaeological cleaning of the monument’s entire koilon (seating area) and orchestra (performance space) was carried out, as well as stabilisation works and restoration work on the core of the archaeological site. These included the maintenance of the existing shelter of the small temples to the outside of the theatre’s right parodos (side entrance into the orchestra); backfilling of excavation pits; constructing a new main entrance to the archaeological site; modifying and expanding the fence; placing outdoor information signs; marking visit routes, etc. Additionally, within the framework of the NSRF, agricultural land (property of Thanella) was expropriated to provide the new main entrance to the archaeological site.
The First Phase of the theatre’s restoration has been completed. (CURRENT STATE)
Commissioning a study for the Second Phase of the theatre’s restoration which shall include the restoration, maintenance and improvement of the overall functionality of the archaeological site is required. (NEXT STEP)
