The Odysseas Elytis Theater Ios

The beautiful Odysseas Elytis Theater, we find it on the top of the hill of Chora the Ios capital just behind the inevitable windmills identifying sign of the Greek Islands and in particular of the Cyclades Archipelago.

Looking at it, one might think that it belongs to the ancient Greek world, but in reality it was built only at the end of the nineties by the architect of German origin Peter Haupt, professor at the Berlin University and a great lover of the Ios island, in honor of the prestigious Greek poet Odysseas Elythis modern scholar (1911-1996), winner of the Nobel Prize for literature in 1979 who. He particularly loved this promontory for the view that gives serenity and inspiration, but also for its heady scents of wild thyme mixed with the sea breeze.

In addition to being a wonderful panoramic point and consequently to be included among the things to see and do absolutely on the Ios island, you should know that during the summer period it becomes an important stage for performances ranging from folk dances to competitions between theater schools of the Cyclades Islands and all of Greece, sporting events and evenings where poets and writers of the past or modern are paid homage with readings or theatrical performances. The most prestigious event is linked to Homer the poet who according to tradition is buried near the Plakoto village. The Homiria as it is called, is a great festival full of intellectual events that lasts from May to September. A true and unique treasure of culture and tradition.

A spectacular amphitheater in marble and stone from local quarry in the typical Greek architectural style of the Doric period that recalls those present in Magna Graecia, is presented in all its majesty with a capacity for 1100 people. The orchestral space has a diameter of 12 meters and the seats face south offering spectacular views of the Aegean, the southern coast of Ios and the Mylopotas Bay.

Another important reason for its orientation is linked to the fact that this position protects spectators when the Meltemi blows, the most important of the Greek winds that comes from the north and believe us when it blows it can be quite annoying if you are in the middle of it.

The Odysseas Elytis Theater has helped to recover a part of the island, the Tsoukaria region which was a waste dump before its construction. Thanks to the love of Haupt and the Ios municipality, it was possible to save this part of the territory and give the world a work that enriches minds.