Ancient Dodona

Δωδώνη

Greece’s oldest oracle, dedicated to Zeus, with a well-preserved ancient theater that once held about 17,000 people.

Ancient Dodona lies in the Tomaros valley about 22 km southwest of Ioannina. It has been a sanctuary dedicated to Zeus since the Bronze Age. Priests interpreted oracles by listening to the rustling of sacred oak leaves, a practice already mentioned in Homer’s epics. The site’s most spectacular feature is the 3rd-century BC theater, along with the remains of a council hall and a temple of Zeus. A symbolic oak tree still grows on site. Admission is inexpensive, and the drive takes about 30 minutes.

Opening hours

Approx. 08:00–17:00 (extended hours in summer)

Ancient Greece · Oracles · Ancient theaters

Nearby sights

Pavlos Vrellis Museum of Greek History
Archaeological Museum of Ioannina
Silversmithing Museum of Ioannina
Ioannina Castle & Its Kale
Aslan Pasha Mosque & Ethnographic Museum
Lake Pamvotis & Ioannina Island
Perama Cave
Dilofo

Places to eat nearby

Fysa Roufa Cookshop
Stoa Louli
Metsovitiki Folia
I Pita tis Kikitsas
Astra Restaurant