Stobi - ancient town in Macedonia

Lying in a fertile valley just a few minutes off the central north-south highway that connects Macedonia with Greece, the ancient city of Stobi was a vital trade route in its days. This crossroad of ancient civilizations has left a rich legacy of antique theaters, palace ruins,brightly-colored mosaics and religious relics for visitors to enjoy today.

The city of Stobi is first mentioned in documents from the 2nd century B.C. However, archaeologists believe that the town had been inhabited at least 400 years earlier. Stobi became a rich and prosperous city due to its location on the crossroads of important trade routes. It experienced its highest prosperity in the 3rd and 4th century A.D.

This archaeological site (located just 3 km or 1.8 miles from the Gradsko exit on Highway E-75) offers sweeping views of the central Macedonian plain and contains edifices such as the 2nd century amphitheatre, the Theodosia palace and early Christian ruins with extensive and ornate mosaic floors.  

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ANTIQUE THEATRE, STOBI

With aim to preserve the tradition of the antique theatre, from 1992, to the initiative of the actors of the theatre of Veles, on the scene of the ancient amphitheatre were presented the performances of the antique theatrical texts.  From 2004, this tradition is transformed in international Festival of antique drama that each year attracts an increase number of theatrical artists worldwide.  

The festival is a true attraction not only for the citizens of Veles, but also for the admirers of theatre from all the regions of the state that is confirmed by the big number of visitors, 2000 to 3000 by the piece.

 In the framework of the festival, traditionally are allocated the prices for the best presentations, directors and actors. The ancient scene of Stobi is particularly impressive because of the possibility of creation the true spectacles in the authentic ambient of the antique theatre thru the resurrection of the texts of Sophocles, Aristophanes, Euripides and others antique authors.