Encircled by the Kalamas River, Gitana is a little known site that’s worth discovering, as it boasts rich archaeological remains in a diverse natural landscape.
The ancient city was established in the second half of the 4th century BC and served as the political center of the Thesprotian League, which bestowed particular importance on Gitana within the ancient world. Besides hosting dramatic performances, one of the main functions of the city’s Theatre, located beside the lush green riverbanks, was to accommodate the assemblies of this Epirote alliance.
Upon closer inspection, the rows of stone seats still bear engraved inscriptions of male and female names, such as Menedamos, Pausanias, Damoxena, and Philista, commemorating acts of slave emancipation.
Other important public buildings that have withstood the test of time include the Prytaneion – which was basically the city archive – with its banquet hall mosaics still intact, and the Stoa of the agora, where numerous bases once supporting honorary statues or other votive offerings, were discovered.
Opening hours
April 1 – October 31
Mon: 08:30 – 15:30
Tue: Closed
Wed: 08:30 – 15:30
Thu: 08:30 – 15:30
Fri: 08:30 – 15:30
Sat: 08:30 – 15:30
Sun: 08:30 – 15:30
November 1 – March 31
Mon: 08:30 – 15:30
Tue: Closed
Wed: Closed
Thu: 08:30 – 15:30
Fri: 08:30 – 15:30
Sat: 08:30 – 15:30
Sun: 08:30 – 15:30
The site remains closed on the following dates and public holidays: January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, December 25 & 26.
Directions
Full: €5.00
Reduced: €3.00
Amenities
Contact
Ephorate of Antiquities of Thesprotia
T: +30 26650 29177, +30 26650 29178
E: efathe@culture.gr
