Apollon Theater stands on Vardaka Square in Ermoupoli, Syros. Opened in 1864, it is Greece’s oldest opera house and a reminder of the island’s 19th-century cultural growth. Its restrained neoclassical exterior gives way to an Italian-inspired auditorium with velvet seats, rows of viewing boxes and painted ceiling details. You can explore the balconies and galleries, then visit the small museum on the top floor. A performance brings the historic room to life; check the theater’s program if you would like to attend one.
A theater built during Ermoupoli’s growth
Apollon Theater was built between 1862 and 1864 to designs by Italian architect Pietro Sampò. It opened on April 20, 1864, with a performance of Verdi’s Rigoletto. The theater dates from a period when Ermoupoli was growing as a cultural center, and its history is closely tied to the island’s artistic life.
The exterior follows a neoclassical style, while the auditorium draws on Italian theater design. Its inspirations include La Scala in Milan, San Carlo in Naples, the theater in Castelfranco and Florence’s Teatro della Pergola. The link to La Scala gave Apollon its familiar nickname, “Little Scala.”
Inside the auditorium
The auditorium’s four rows of boxes, velvet seats and painted ceiling create a distinctly 19th-century setting. Visitors can walk through the viewing boxes, balconies and galleries when access is available. The main stage and backstage areas are restricted, so plan to explore the audience spaces rather than the working parts of the theater.
The building was restored, including its ceiling paintings. If you visit while a performance is running, access to some areas, including private balconies, is not available. A visit on a non-performance day gives you more room to look around.
The top-floor museum and performances
A small museum on the top floor adds context to the theater’s history. Its displays include information about artists of the period and a glimpse of the dressing rooms used by performers. Allow time for both the museum and the auditorium when you visit.
Apollon continues to host performances and events. Attending a show lets you experience the auditorium in use, but limited air conditioning can make the room warm. Mezzanine and upper-level seats have better ventilation than lower seats. The theater also hosts events such as the Festival of the Aegean in July; check the current program before planning around a performance.
FAQ
Where is Apollon Theater?
It is on Vardaka Square in Ermoupoli, Syros, near Miaouli Square.
When was Apollon Theater built?
It was constructed between 1862 and 1864 and opened on April 20, 1864.
What can you see inside Apollon Theater?
The auditorium has velvet seats, boxes, balconies, galleries and painted ceiling details. There is also a small museum on the top floor.
Can you visit the theater during a performance?
Yes, performances take place at the theater, but access to some areas, including private balconies, is unavailable when shows are running.
