Audio Guide of the Apollonia Amphitheatre

The amphitheatre, located in the heart of Sozopol Old Town, generally opens daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM during the high season (summer). It is easy to reach on foot through the cobbled streets from the main Apollonia Street; it is hard to miss if you follow the signs to the Archaeological Museum.

Admission has a symbolic fee, generally around 4-5 BGN (about 2-3 euros), which is sometimes included in a combined ticket with the Archaeological Museum. However, if you only want a quick look, much of the structure is visible from the street at no cost.

It is a short but rewarding visit; about 20 to 30 minutes is enough to walk through the seating, take photos, and read the information panels. If you attend an event of the Apollonia Arts Festival in September, the experience will last as long as the performance.

This site is a second-century AD gem that lay hidden underground for centuries until its accidental discovery in 1972 due to a landslide. It represents the height of ancient Apollonia Pontica under Roman rule and stands out for its excellent natural acoustics, which remain impressive today.

Without a doubt, September is the golden month because of the Arts Festival, when the theatre comes alive with music and performances. If you go in summer, I recommend visiting at sunset to avoid the heat and enjoy spectacular light for your photos, with the Black Sea nearby.

You should be cautious, as access is difficult because Sozopol Old Town has uneven cobbled streets and the amphitheatre itself has original stairs and changes in level. The view from the upper area (street level) is good, but going down to the arena may be difficult without assistance.

You are in the perfect spot to visit the Archaeological Museum right next door, which complements the history of the site. I also recommend walking toward the Southern Wall and Tower for sea views, or visiting the Church of Saint Zosim just a few minutes away on foot.

Wear very comfortable shoes with rubber soles, as the old cobblestones can be slippery. I also suggest downloading an audio guide or reading about the history before entering, since the on-site signage is somewhat limited, and you will enjoy the experience much more if you understand the context of what you are seeing.