User:Valiachios/Odeon of Patras
| Ρωμαϊκό ωδείο Πατρών | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Construction started | 2ος αιώνας μ.Χ. |
| Height | |
| Architectural | Ρωμαϊκή |
| Other information | |
| Seating capacity | 2.600 θεατών |
General information:
Roman architecture
Address Agios Georgios Square, Upper Town of Patras
Geographical coordinates 38°14′36″N 21°44′18″E
Administrative affiliation Municipality of Patreon
Location Patra
Country Greece
Completion 2nd century AD
Function 2nd-3rd century AD
Restoration 1938-1943, 1959-1963
Status Visitable
Owner Ministry of Culture
Technical details
Capacity 2.600 spectators
Construction materials
Materials Brick, Roman concrete, marble
Design and construction
Archaeological site protection in Greece
The Roman Odeon of Patras is a magnificent Roman building that has been reconstructed and is used for musical events. It was built during the second half of the 2nd century A.D. It is located to the west of the Castle, in the Upper Town, next to the Roman Stadium and between the streets of Old Patras Germanos, Sotiriadou, Pantokratoros and St. George Square. It has a south-facing façade and is clad in brick, today its staircases are clad in marble.
The Odeon was probably built in the years of Augustus. Pausanias mentions that it was older than the Odeon of Herod Atticus and was located adjacent to the Roman market of the city, it was brilliantly decorated but not like the Herodeion, which he considered brighter.
Over the years, the Odeon suffered damage from natural disasters and invasions, becoming buried under soil. François Pouqueville mentions that during his time, parts of it were still visible in the courtyards of houses. In 1889, it was decided to demolish the hill of Strani and use the soil for filling the harbor that was being constructed. During these works, the Odeon was discovered.
The Odeion (Conservatory) of Patras, built in the first half of the 2nd century AD, predates the Athenian Odeion of Herodes Atticus (161 AD) and ceased operation by the end of the 3rd century AD due to a fire. Supported by a strong outer wall and reinforced by buttresses, the hollow has a diameter of 48 meters and a semicircular orchestra measuring 10 meters, accommodating around 2,600 spectators. The stage wall rises 8 meters high and features three arched doors.
Excavation occurred from 1957 to 1960, with restoration by architect Ioannis Vassiliou from 1959 to 1961. Today, the Odeion serves as a key venue for the Patras International Festival and other cultural events, with a seating capacity of 2,300 and essential theater facilities, underscoring its historical significance as an archaeological site.
From 1959 to 1963, Joan Vasilious took the initiative to rebuild it after many years. This is why Vasilios' work was honored by the Academy of Athens and the municipality of Patras.
Today the Odeum is open for visits, while iti s often used for art festivals.
The Odeion (Conservatory) of Patras is situated on a low hill in the upper town, beneath the medieval castle, which was the citadel of the ancient city. The Odeion is enclosed by Germanou Street and Sotiriadou Street.
- Vasilis K.Lazaris , Stefan N.Thomopoulou. ΄΄The history of the city of Patas from the ancient times to 1821΄΄. Fourth edition of vernacular and they were based on the hand written texts of the writer. Patras , Achaikos Publications 1998, 1999, volumes A,B
- Andrew Eth. Mougolias, the second Junior Highschool of Patras Achaia: 2 centuries of attendance to the modern Greek education Publishing house of Patras, Joa. Petraki, Patras 1999.
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Patras]] [[Category:History of Patras]] [[Category:Commons category link is on Wikidata]]