There is evidence of human settlement in the Epirus region since the Palaeolithic period. Of the cities that stood and flourished then, the best known were Ambracia, Cassope, Gitana, Dodona, and Nicopolis, founded by the Romans.
All of the aforementioned cities are scattered across the 4 Regional Units of Epirus. So for culture seekers, there is a unique connection linking these areas and it is essentially the reason for such a rich and complete cultural experience. The connection highlighting their history is through a connecting architectural edifice, which is none other than the theater!
Taking the route between them will certainly require 2 or 3 day trips to the archaeological sites in question. If you stay at any of the four major cities of Epirus, all of the monuments can be reached within one and a half hours at the most. Each separate route is different, the natural landscape of mainland Epirus is exciting, the history and culture of these cities is the perfect time machine for a journey into the past…
The tour begins at the famous Oracle of Dodona that according to Herodotus was ‘the most ancient oracle in all of Greece’ and the theatre, built early in the 3rd century during the reign of King Pyrros, which could seat an audience of 17,000 spectators.The archaeological site is located 22 km from Ioannina, and you could combine your visit here with a visit to the archaeological site of Gitana Thesprotia.The theatre of Gitana was built some time around the middle of the 3rd Century BCE, and was not only used for theatrical performances of comedies and tragedies, but also for political meetings.
On the second day, you can continue your tour with Ambracia. The little ancient theatre of Ambracia was discovered in 1976 and it is one of the smallest of the ancient theatres discovered in Greece thus far. Next stop is the Theatre of Cassope, built at the beginning of the 3rd century BCE on the highest hill of the city looking out over the Ambracian Gulf, the Ionian Sea and the island of Lefkada. The journey ends in ancient Nicopolis. The theatre here was mainly in operation during the Actium youth games, which were religious character and were held in honour of Apollo.
These archaeological sites are open to visitors in summer; Dodona and Nicopolis from 8 am to 8 pm, and Cassope and Gitana from 8 am to 3 pm. Obviously opening times are subject to change, so it is a good idea to check by telephone before you visit.