The province of Guelma (Calama) is considered one of the poles of tourism in Algeria since it possesses treasures that go back to ancient times and civilizations which are stand as witness to the past of this ancient region. The Roman Theater, which is located in the heart of the city of Guelma, is one of the most important ancient tourist sites in the city that attracts tourists from inside and outside the country and even from abroad, along with the mineral baths that promote a revolution in the town's tourism sector and provide great access to the public treasury.
Historically speaking, this theater was built between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, at a cost of about thirty thousand gold pieces at that time. It was built during the reign of Emperor Septemus by the nun, Anya Elia Stiterta. This monument is one of the rare historical artifacts across the world in terms of geometric and architectural form with rock terraces that were dedicated to the Roman VIPs and to the general public or public servants, with a large wooden platform, believed by historians to have been devoted to the fight of predators, especially black ones. It can accommodate about 4500 person.
Nowadays, the monument maintains its shape and structure, to some extent, which has been completed for thousands of years, after resisting all the volatile climatic conditions over the ages and times, as well as the restoration of this old edifice over the years. The Theater has been restored artistically by competent people; giving us an impressive scene of marvelous Roman masonry and a perfect idea of what it was originally .It was completely rebuilt in the early 20th century. After the first stage of its reconstruction, it hosted on May 1908 theatrical performances of what would become the annual festival of Calama. The Roman Theater became the centerpiece of the major artistic concerts hosted by the city of Guelma. It was accompanied by famous Arab and oriental singers, artists and other giants of art and Arabic culture. The Roman Theater continued to be active with the largest art concerts until the mid 1980s. It was restored in 2007 with the second edition of the National Festival of Contemporary Music, which produced photographs that remained immortal in the minds of all those who attended.
Then, for those who are curious and fond of exploration of the roman ruins, this site is an ideal place for them .The entrance fee is for 70DA.
Written by ARAB Sabrina