Old underwater ruins

Welcome to one of the most mystical places in Old Nessebar – the southeast coast, known among local residents as "Plakamoto". Its name derives from the Greek word for "The rock," but behind this modest title lies one of the greatest archaeological mysteries of ancient Mesembria. The location of its lost ancient theater. According to an exciting hypothesis by the archaeologist Dr. Eutelpa Teoklieva, it was here, in the area of "Plakamoto," that the majestic ancient theater of the Greek polis once stood. If you look toward the sea, you will notice large, once processed stone blocks that today protrude from the water or lie beneath the waves, "eaten" by salt and time. These ruins are a silent testament to massive constructions that fell victim to marine transgression. During antiquity, the peninsula was significantly larger, about 40 hectares, but rising sea levels deprived Nessebar of land with a length of nearly 400 meters, specifically in its eastern part, swallowing its ancient structures. Here, in the theater, grand celebrations in honor of the god Dionysus—the famous "Dionisiya" were held. These festivities also served as a political stage. In front of all the citizens, fateful international treaties were concluded. Such was the case with the decree for an agreement with the Thracian ruler Sadala, which guaranteed the security of Mesembrian ships in exchange for economic privileges. Mesembrians were highly educated people, and at this stage, not only popular comedies and tragedies came to life, but also the great works of Homer. Proof of this deep respect for art is an artist’s grave discovered in the city, which contained both tragic and comic masks. Today, "Plakamoto" is a focus of special attention in the Conservation and Management Plan of Nessebar.