Ambracia Archaeological Site

Ambracia is the ancient Greek city in the region of Epirus, located close to the modern city of Arta on the Ambracian Gulf; it was founded by Corinthian colonists in the 7th century BC. The site served as a regional urban centre in antiquity with surviving ruins visible today.

Remains on site include stretches of city walls, foundations interpreted as a Hellenistic theatre and other public buildings; the footprints of streets and domestic structures can also be traced. The visible ruins are modest in scale compared with major Hellenic centres but are important for understanding regional Epirus urbanism.

Classical sources and archaeology place the city’s foundation in the 7th century BC by Corinthian settlers; in later centuries it was a Hellenistic and then Roman city that played a regional political role. Over time the settlement declined and the site was partially abandoned and reoccupied in different phases during the Roman and Byzantine periods.

The archaeological remains lie on low-lying ground near the Ambracian Gulf, immediately adjacent to modern Arta in northwestern Greece. The area is accessible from the regional road network and is part of the broader archaeological landscape of Epirus.

• Proximity to Arta: Ruins are close to the modern city of Arta and are normally visited in combination with the regional archaeological sites of Epirus.

What to See#

• City walls: Remains of defensive walls and earthworks from the classical city situated near the modern city of Arta.
• Theatre: Ruins identified as a Hellenistic theatre and adjacent public spaces used for performances and gatherings in antiquity.
• Acropolis area: Elevated area containing temple foundations and graves associated with the city’s acropolis and civic centre.

The ancient site of Ambracia (Ambrakía) lies at/near modern Arta in Epirus. The easiest way to reach it is to go to Arta by car on the National Road (GR-5/E55) and then continue a short drive or walk from the Arta town centre to the archaeological area. Arta is served by regional roads and local buses; from nearby regional centres expect a short onward taxi or bus ride.