The Saint-Jean-l'Évangéliste Priory in Trizay is an ancient Benedictine priory founded in the 11th century, situated in Trizay, Charente-Maritime. Initially a dependency of the Abbey of La Chaise-Dieu, it underwent restoration from 1994. The priory's convent buildings and church remnants are open to visitors and house a contemporary art center. Classified as a historical monument, it is also listed among the treasures of Saintonge.
Founded in the 11th century by a lord of Tonnay-Charente, the priory later became a dependency of the Abbey of La Chaise-Dieu. Benefitting from generous donations, it faced challenges during the Wars of Religion. The priory went through a commendatory period, suffering from neglect and destruction. Sold as a national asset in 1791, it became an agricultural enterprise. The church served as a parish until 1843 when it closed, replaced by a chapel. Classified as a historical monument in 1920, the priory underwent patient restoration since 1994 and now houses a contemporary art center.
The priory features unique Romanesque church remnants from the 11th century with an octagonal structure, distinctive chapels, and ornate sculptural elements. The convent buildings include the chapter house, monk's hall, cellar, and dormitory. Despite the lost cloister, archaeological evidence suggests its existence, and discovered graves hint at religious or local lord burials.
The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.
The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.
Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.