Hotels in der Nähe von Gitanae
Gitanae is the remains of a fortified ancient city of Epirus, spread across a low plain beside the Kalamas (ancient Thyamis) River in today’s Thesprotia region.
Warum du in der Nähe von Gitanae übernachten solltest
Gitanae is the remains of a fortified ancient city of Epirus, spread across a low plain beside the Kalamas (ancient Thyamis) River in today’s Thesprotia region. Travellers usually reach it from Corfu, but it’s important to know the site is on mainland Greece, not the island. People come to Gitanae for its well-preserved Hellenistic theatre and for the sheer scale of the place: long stretches of city walls, open public spaces, and a visible street grid laid out in the landscape. What makes it distinctive is its political role. This wasn’t a ceremonial backwater, but a working civic centre where assemblies of the Epirote League met, including just before Rome conquered Epirus in 168 BC.
Über Gitanae
Gitanae was founded in the late 4th century BC, around 336–330 BC, and developed into the seat of the Koinon, the federal league of the Thesprotians, taking over that role from nearby Elea. The city was carefully planned on a Hippodamian grid, with straight streets, defined public areas, and strong fortification walls enclosing the settlement. Today, the most prominent monument is the limestone theatre, built in the mid-3rd century BC and oriented toward the river plain. It could hold several thousand people and was used for theatrical performances but also for political assemblies. Archaeological finds, including seals with theatrical masks, underline how closely performance and civic life were linked here. Gitanae was abandoned by the end of the 1st century BC, after Octavian founded Nicopolis and drew political power away from the area. Visitors now see exposed walls, public buildings, and extensive theatre seating across a large, walkable site.
