Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Ancient Greek style theatre in Chora, Ios, Greece
The Odysseas Elytis Theatre is an open-air venue with marble seating tiers and a 12-meter stage located in Chora on the island of Ios. The structure holds around 1000 people and is designed to provide protection from winds while taking in views of the Aegean Sea.
The theatre was built in 1997 by architect Peter Haupt from Berlin and draws from classical Greek and Magna Graecia architectural traditions. The design blends modern functionality with traditional elements inspired by ancient construction methods.
The theatre hosts the annual OMIRIA festival where schools from across the Cycladic islands gather to perform and compete. Visitors can experience local talent and emerging artists in a community-focused celebration that brings the island together.
The theatre is located uphill in Chora and is walkable from the town center, though the paths can be steep. Concerts and performances take place mainly during the summer months, so check ahead for the current schedule and events.
The theatre is built from local stone and sits behind traditional whitewashed windmills that frame the grounds. This hidden placement gives the venue an intimate quality that visitors often miss at first glance unless they know where to look.
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