The interior of the Apollon Theatre in Patras, reminiscent of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan

Apollon Theatre was built in 1872 on Georgiou A’ square, based on architect Ziller’s drawings. The theatre is reminiscent of the Teatro alla Scalla (in Milan), in a much smaller scale, and is one of the oldest opera theatres in Europe. Its capacity is 220-300 seats. It has housed performances of grand operas, operettas and plays. Since 1925, during the Patras Carnival –an event with a long and important history for Patras- the “Mpourmpoulia” performances are presented in the Apollon Theatre, where carnival participants perform various dances.

The Carnival of Patras constitutes the biggest cultural social feast in Patras and the whole of Greece every winter. The Greek carnival is rooted deep in antiquity and particularly in the Dionysian feasts. The entire city, just one month before orthodox Easter, dances to the rhythm of the carnival which erupts into a big parade and the burning of the Carnival king.

Scenes from the Patras Carnival

Since 1988, the Apollon Theatre houses the Municipal Regional Theatre of Patras (DI.PE.CE. Patras) and various plays of Greek and foreign authors are regularly presented (please see online:   http://www.dipethepatras.gr/ ).

The Apollon Theatre

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