Odeon Amphitheatre

Paphos, Cyprus

The Odeon, which is one of the most important archaeological sites in Cyprus was built in the 2th century AD and shaped entirely from perfectly hewn limestone rocks. To the south of the Odeon are the remains of the Roman temple of Asclepius, God of Medicine and to the north are remains of ancient town walls. Next to the Odeon and near to the New Paphos Lighthouse is a rocky mound which is said to have been the Acropolis of the town.

Odeon, is not only a tourist attraction, but is one of the best amphitheatre's to stage live musical and theatrical performances. The Cypriot Department of Antiquities has partly restored the Odeon with 12 rows of seats, available for live events.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 2nd century AD
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Cyprus

More Information

www.paphos.com

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

steve m (3 years ago)
The seats in the Odeon were not padded or comfortable. They were stone, so really needs an upgrade. There were no movies being screened on during my visit and not even anywhere to buy popcorn, hotdog or even a soda. I just stroked a local stray cat for entertainment on my visit. He was most friendly, I might add. Not sure of his name, but he was black and white. ??
Leszek Drabik (3 years ago)
In the Odeon, musical performances were given. It is semicircular in plan and was built against a support wall. The Odeon consists of an auditorium and an orchestra. Two parallel passages and the stage of which part of the facade and the paved floor are preserved. The building to the south of the Odeon has been identified as an Asclepieion; it is the sanctuary of Asclepius and a medical establishment.
Colin Owen (3 years ago)
It's a little run down but it's still worth a look. There are a number of routes in but some of the fences have been destroyed so be careful near edges
Zahid Hanif (3 years ago)
Such an amazing day, just beautiful being aroud the history of the place
Adrian CelebaƄski (3 years ago)
Charming small amphitheater, it works on the imagination. Really well preserved monument!
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Argos Theater

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.