Roman Theatre

Caesarea


Israel's most ancient theatre is used these days for open-air concerts by top-tier international and Israeli talent. Built by Herod, the impressive theatre (often incorrectly referred to as 'the amphitheatre') could seat 4000 people.

The semicircular platform behind the stage dates from the 3rd century, while the great wall with the two towers is part of a 6th-century Byzantine fortress built over the ruins.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Caesarea attractions

1. Promontory Palace

0.12 MILES

Jutting into the sea next to the southern end of the Herodian amphitheatre, the Roman-era Promontory Palace includes a pool believed to have been used as…

2. Herodian Amphitheatre

0.18 MILES

Seven-lap chariot races and bloody gladiatorial contests in which prisoners and slaves battled lions and crocodiles were held in the 10,000-seat…

3. Bathhouse

0.25 MILES

The ruins of a large bathhouse are the only notable remnants of a Byzantine-era governor's palace at this site in Caesarea National Park.

4. Caesarea Maritima Museum

0.31 MILES

Coins, amphorae, jewellery and other relics of ancient Caesarea from Rome to the Crusader era are displayed in this museum in Kibbutz S'dot Yam,…

5. Crusader Church

0.34 MILES

One feature of the Crusader City site in Caesarea National Park is this 13th-century Crusader-era church. It was built over the site of an older Byzantine…

6. Crusader City

0.39 MILES

The original 9th-century walls enclosing this fortified Arab city were bulked out into a Crusader fortress by King Louis IX of France (St Louis), better…

7. Caesarea Experience

0.4 MILES

The park's visitor centre, aka the Caesarea Experience, is located on the harbour's jetty. Inside, a 10-minute film (available in seven languages)…

8. Time Tower

0.41 MILES

Out on the the jetty, on the top floor of the Citadel, is the Time Tower, whose computer-generated graphics present the city at different periods in its…