Eretria

Eretria combines the character of a modern town with traces of an important ancient polis. In the streets of the modern town, you will encounter the ancient West Gate, the Western Quarter, the Temple of Apollo Daphnephoros and the House of the Mosaics. The town and archaeological site form a single, connected whole. At the same time, the modern town has a rich architectural heritage dating from the 19th century. When you choose Eretria as your destination, you encounter ancient urban history and more recent architecture as distinct layers of time.

Ancient City and Acropolis

Modern-day Eretria stands on the foundations of one of the most important city-states of ancient Greece. The ancient polis was a major maritime and trading power and founded colonies as far afield as Chalkidiki and southern Italy—a geographical horizon that extends beyond the sites within the ancient city itself. At the heart of the ancient city was the agora, a centre of economic and political life; the Sanctuary of Apollo Daphnephoros was the Eretrians’ most important place of worship. The two sites thus represent different functions within the ancient city: public life and worship. At the foot of the Acropolis is an extensive area, free of modern buildings, containing several important monuments of the ancient city.

The Ancient Theatre

The ancient theatre of Eretria lies on the southern side of the city. It dates from the 4th century BC and was built on a naturally sloping hillside. Its layout follows the traditional Greek theatre design, with a seating area, orchestra and stage. The seating area is carved into the rock and can accommodate about 6,300 spectators. Its acoustics and architectural design are among the theatre’s notable features. These details make its construction tangible: the traditional layout describes the form of the theatre, while the rock-cut space shows the specific design of the seating area.

The ancient theatre is not accessible because of its poor state of preservation. As conditions can change, check accessibility before your trip.

Archaeological Museum

The permanent exhibition at the Archaeological Museum of Eretria has been on display in its current form since 1991. It includes significant finds from excavations in ancient Eretria, Touba, Xiropoli near Lefkandi and Amarynthos. The exhibits date from the Early Bronze Age to the period of Roman rule. In chronological terms, the collection thus spans the period from the Early Bronze Age to Roman rule; geographically, it extends beyond the excavations in ancient Eretria.

The museum is located on Ancient Theater Avenue and Isidos Street; check the address before your trip.

A Walk to the Acropolis

An easy walk along the fortifications leads to the Acropolis and passes through a nature trail. Check the trail conditions before setting off, as they can change.

Discover more destinations: Pefki, Zarakes, Kirinthos, Ilia, Konistres, Artemisio, Agii Apostoli, Oxílithos

For the main travel overview: Euboea.