Cultural Events and Festivals
Cultural
events including dance and theatre, recitals, concerts, international
trade shows, conferences and symposia, public lectures, gallery exhibits,
sports events and marathons are an integral part of life in this bustling
cosmopolitan capital.
Built in 161 BC, the Odeon of Herod Atticus at the foot of the Acropolis
can accommodate up to 5000 spectators. The Odeon provides one of the most
important open-air venues for staging the annual Athens Festival, featuring
music concerts and dance troupes from around the world. Superb performances
of ancient and modern drama are staged at the Herod Atticus Theatre.
The National Theatre of Greece stages drama performances in modern Greek
with English translations provided.
Undoubtedly the pride and joy of the city's cultural life, the Athens
Concert Hall comprises a modern theatre, concert and conference hall with
spacious reception areas, exhibition space and a 500-seat recital hall.
The Megaron hall is a 2,000-seat auditorium hosting operatic, dance and
drama performances almost daily.
Perched high on its namesake hill in the centre of the city, the 4,000-seat
open-air Lycabettus amphitheatre hosts a variety of concerts by contemporary
jazz and pop artists, as well as chamber orchestras, mainly during the
summer.
The open-air Dora Stratou Theatre on Filopappou Hill provides the venue
for traditional Greek dances performed by the internationally acclaimed
company from May to September.