The theatre of Lefki is located on an islet by the same name, 3.6 nautical miles southeast of Crete in the Libyan Sea. It was built on the northwest coast of the island, 90 meters approximately from the present coastline and is oriented towards the north.
The theatre, with a capacity of 1000 spectators, was built in the 2nd century AD. The hollow has twelve rows of seats and is almost semi-circular in shape. The orchestra is a little larger than a semicircle. The stage building includes the proscenium (logeion), substage, and the side wings of the stage. Entrance to the theatre was from the two sides through vaulted passages.
The theatre today is still buried beneath the sand.
Roman Theatre of Lefki
Theatre
The theatre has a tripartite structure: hollow, orchestra and stage building.
Photographic documentation is kept in the archive of the Ephorate of Antiquities.
1.T.B.Spratt, Travels and researches in Crete, London 1865.
The theatre is located on the north-western coast of the islet of Lefki, approximately 90 meters from the current coastline.
It was built in the 2nd century AD.
The koilon, having a capacity of 1000 spectators, was constructed on a natural slope of white marble limestone. It has twelve rows of seats and is almost semi-circular. The orchestra is a little larger than a semicircle and it is paved with white soil. Entrance to the theatre was from the two sides through vaulted passages. The stage building includes proscenium (logeion), substage, and the side wings.
Due to the weather conditions prevailing in the area, and the material from which it is constructed, the monument is partially preserved. Today, it is buried under sand deposits.
It was excavated in 1976 by archaeologist N. P. Papadakis.
In March and April 2010, the Institute of Technology and Research carried out geophysical mapping using the method of the ground penetration radar system (GPR),and magnetic mapping for the exploration of the subsoil of the theatre.
Simple visit.
Its use is not allowed
The preparation of an architectural study for the documentation and restoration of the theatre is required.
Ministry of Culture and Tourism/ Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities.
The monument is located within the precinct archaeological site of the islet of Lefkis and falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities.
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