Venue

Apollo Theater

The first theatrical representations in Hermoupolis are dated from 1826.

In the first years one wooden house served various theatric artists that visited the island. Thus the theatrical movement of Syra will make perceptible the need a permanent and organised theatre. The initiative for his construction him undertook a man from Hermoupolis M.K. Salvagos.

 On 30 October 1861 the Municipal Council accepted the proposals of citizens and it decided unanimously to construct "via cooperative and with the help of Municipality" a theatre and a club in the central square. Simultaneously they calculated the construction expenses in 60.000 Drs.

Naturally, reactions emerged. Certain considered an unnecessary luxury the construction of theatre in a state newly established with so much other needs.

The foundation of the square hosting the theatre (today square of Io. Vardaka) very near in central Miaouli square, started in 1862 according to blueprints of he famous architect P. Sampo that worked then as municipal architect in Hermoupolis.

In October 1864 the opening of "Apollo" theatre was celebrated. It was considered the nicest of all Middle East theatres of the era (including Athens, Smyrni, Istamboul and Alexandreia). Four contemporary Italian melodramas were played, including Verdi's Traviata. Greek artists will be presented for first time in the theatre of Hermoupolis in March 1866.

 Externally the Theatre does not have a rich architectural décor; internally it is micrography of Scale of Milan.

The last representation in the theatre Apollon was given in April 1953. After that date, the theatre is abandoned and important deterioration in the building was noticed. The work of refurbishment was completed in 2000 based on blueprints  of architect Petros Pikionis which were approved from the Ministry of Culture under the supervision and the contribution of Technical Services of the Hermoupolis Municipality.