THE ROMAN ODEON IN PATRAS
To the west of the Acropolis, in Upper Town, is the Roman Odeon of Patras, built earlier by the Conservatory of Athens (Hadrian's Theatre-Odeon, 160 AD).In the centuries that followed, earthquakes, wars and conquerors destroyed the conservatory and covered it with dirt and other buildings. From the small hill that was created, only a few parts remained uncovered . It came back to light in 1889 when they were digging the hill to fill the harbor.Several decades passed until the start of the process of restoration, completed in 1956, the year in which the ancient Odeon acquired its original form. During the same decade, transformed the surrounding area into an archaeological report with it, sarcophagi, mosaics and other ancient finds. The Conservatory has all the essential parts of the theater, auditorium, orchestra, stage, scene, backstage and 23 rows of seats which can accommodate 2,900 spectators. Since the adoption of the International Festival of Patras, the ancient Odeon is the main office, hosting summer top performances from all over the world.
By Irene Koliopoulou