Apollon Theater: Syros' island hidden gem – Greece's Mini La Scala de Milan
Only a few hours by boat from the port of Piraeus, in the centre of the
Cyclades island complex, lies the beautiful Syros, “lady of the Cyclades” as it’s often called. The capital of the island is regal Hermoupolis, a city rebuilt at the beginning of the 19th century.
And, in the very heart of Hermoupolis, behind one of the city’s iconic town hall, visitors come across the historic Apollon Theater.
A magical visit to the past and present
The Apollon Theater’s rich history becomes evident from the very first moment you step
inside the foyer. From the beautiful marble floor, the stairs, the ancient Greek style columns and the Apollo statue to the elaborately decorated ceiling, the theatre’s foyer appears spectacular to say the least.
You, then, go through the rich red velvet curtains to the auditorium. If you have never been inside a neoclassic European style theatre, the Apollon is going to greatly impress you. Its grandiosity is incomparable and history is whispering in every seat and every corner. We passed the smooth, comfortable red seats wandered on to the main stage and took innumerable intstagramable photos in the opera boxes.
The access is free to all of the boxes from the stage level to the 2nd floor of the auditorium. We especially recommend the view from the second floor boxes, as you can enjoy a view of the entire auditorium while, at the same time, you can enjoy the impressive ceiling artwork – and the photos turn out amazing.
Lastly, on the theatre’s third floor there is a small exhibition, a collection of
"memories" you could say, showing original posters and objects from old plays,
photographs of the actors, etc. so that visitors can take a glimpse into the theatre’s rich past.
Apollo's rich history
The Apollon Theater was built in 1864, designed by architect Pietro Sabo. Many people say it’s a direct copy of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, but the theatre’s architectural style is actually based on 4 distinctive Italian theatres: La Scala (Teatro alla Scala) (1776) in Milan, the new “San Carlo” theatre (1816) in Naples, the Academic Theatre (1745) in Castelfranco and the “Teatro della Pergola” (1755) in Florence.
The new theatre gave the town a significant cultural radiance and offered its wealthy and cultured residents the chance to enjoy plays and operas such as Verdi’s “Rigoletto”, “Traviata” and “Ballo in Maschera” and Donizetti’s «Favorita».
The Apollo stage continued hosting great successful productions for more than seventy years until the 2nd WW broke out. During the Nazi occupation it was used first by the Italian and then the German garrisons for film screenings. In the 1950s the theatre was deemed dangerous and unfit for the public and it was closed down. Its restoration started in the 1990s and it was inaugurated on July 17th 2000.
The architectural design was entrusted to the team of Petros D. Pikionis, while the ceiling paintings that adorn the interior of the theatre were created by painter Dimitris Fortsas.
Today, the Apollon Theater hosts theatrical performances, artistic events
as well as international festivals, including opera and music festivals, throughout the year. It is open to the public almost every day during the summer months.
You can check visiting times the theatre’s website: apollontheater.gr
Katerina Zygouraki
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