Ancient Odeon of Kos, Roman theater in Kos Town, Greece
The Ancient Odeon of Kos is a Roman theater in Kos Town with fourteen rows of stone seats divided by a central aisle and four staircases. The structure accommodated roughly 750 spectators and features a marble-decorated orchestra floor at its center.
The Odeon was built in the 2nd century AD, probably replacing an earlier public building, possibly the city's Bouleuterion. It was damaged in the earthquake of 142 AD but repaired under Emperor Antoninus Pius (138–161), so it remained in use. Excavated in 1929 by Luciano Laurenzi during the Italian occupation, it was restored before the 1933 earthquake that largely destroyed Kos Town.
The odeon hosted musical contests and also served as the seat of the island's Senate, which honoured distinguished citizens there. Today it again holds cultural events, mainly in the summer months, and inside is a photography exhibition of the Archaeological Institute of Aegean Studies.
The site is within walking distance from central Kos Town, accessible via Pisandrou and Leof Grigoriou V streets. The ruins are exposed to the open air, so sun protection and comfortable shoes are advisable for exploring the full extent of the remains.
The orchestra floor still displays original marble decoration, and galleries once held statues including one of the physician Hippocrates. That statue now resides in the Archaeological Museum, offering visitors insight into the artwork that once adorned the space.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,722 contributors worldwide.