Greece’s Ministry of Culture is proceeding with the restoration of the Ancient Theater of Gitana in Epirus‘ Thesprotia region.
Gitana (or Gitanai) was far more than a simple settlement; it was the political and administrative heart of the Thesprotian tribe. Established in a naturally fortified position on the Goumani hill, it was protected on three sides by the Kalamas River. As the seat of the Thesprotian League (Koinon), it served as a “federal” capital where the region’s leaders met to conduct diplomacy, manage their own mint, and oversee the coastal trade of the Ionian. Culture Minister Lina Mendoni highlighted the city’s scale and influence:
“The theater was built in the 3rd century BC—predating the formal establishment of the city by nearly a century. Gitana grew to house approximately 6,000 to 8,000 residents, functioning as a vital economic and political hub. Though the city was systematically sacked by the Romans in 167 BC, the theater remained in periodic use before eventually suffering damage from earthquakes and floods.”
The theater was strategically built on the western slope of the city, just outside the massive 3,500-meter fortification walls. Gitana was a model of Hellenistic urban organization. As the capital of the League, it housed a Prytaneion, an official building where the leaders of the Thesprotians met to conduct diplomacy and administration.
Excavations reveal rich history of Gitana
Recent excavations have revealed a large public market (Agora) which was the center of economic and social life. The city minted its own coins, which often featured the head of Athena or Zeus, symbolizing its autonomy and economic strength.
One of the most fascinating discoveries at Gitana is the stamped tiles found in the debris. Many roof tiles were stamped with the name “ΓΙΤΑΝΩΝ” (of the Gitanans), which provided archeologists with definitive proof of the city’s identity.
The fall of Gitana in 167 BC was a turning point in history, as the Roman General Aemilius Paulus destroyed the city as part of a campaign that saw 150,000 Epirotes enslaved.
Today, through these restoration efforts, the Ministry of Culture aims to rescue the authentic fragments of this resilient city. By integrating Gitana into a modern cultural route, Epirus preserves its ancient architectural identity while offering a world-class experience to modern travelers.
Related: Epirus Trail: The Greek Mountain Adventure of Culture, History and Beauty
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