Roman theater to open to visits soon

BURSA - Doğan News Agency

The restorations in the theater revealed some 300 coins, earth ceramics, seven galleries and skeletons of people. It will open to visitors in the coming days. DHA photo

A Roman theater dating back almost two millennia will soon open to tourist visits in Bursa’s İznik district.

The theater, which was built by Cecillius Secunds during the reign of Roman Emperor Traianus around 1,900 years ago, is one of the few Roman theaters that have survived so well in Anatolia. Much of the theater was preserved because it had been underground, prompting the Bursa Special Provincial Directorate to spend the past two years endeavoring to unearth the ancient site.

The restorations inside and around the theater have so far revealed some 300 coins, earth ceramics, seven galleries and skeletons of people, who are thought to have died because of an outbreak. 

Bursa Special Provincial Secretary General Bilal Çelik said they had so far spent 1.3 million Turkish Liras on the restoration project. “The theater is being completely unearthed. When the restoration is done, the theater will meet current needs. Also, we made a walking lane for tourists to visit and examine the works in the theater.”