Giuseppe Verdi’s “Rigolettos” from the National Opera is the latest production of the Athens – Epidaurus Festival that hosts the Herodion before the closure of the site for the work of promoting, protecting and restoring the monument.
Although it will remain open until the end of October for scheduled concerts, this here seems to be an opera “goodbye” to the summer Herodion from Lyric and the Festival.
The operation of the monument will be suspended for at least 3 years For the hospitality of both artistic and visitors, according to Elena Kountouris, Head of the Directorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities and Deputy Head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Athens, who spoke to RES-EIA.
As he said, the purpose of the work to be done is “On the one hand maintaining and on the other hand the improvement of the monument’s readability by the general public.” In addition, as he noted, it will take place Upgrading and improving the infrastructure of the Athens and Epidaurus Festival.
Various forms of damage
According to Mrs Kountouris, the forms of damage observed in the area are as follows:
- Biodegradation caused by the development of microorganisms in places where cavities are created and water is stagnant.
- Development of a root system, which is mainly observed in joints, where there is soil accumulation.
- Cracking that progresses in depth inside the stone and superficial cracks, which are mainly found in the hollow but also in other places.
- Prepares of fragments that have been detached due to breakage but remain in place.
- Failure of earlier interventions, due to poor traction of materials used with ancient material and unfortunate aesthetic effect.
- Loss of material due to temperature fluctuations.
Detailed presentation of studies at the beginning of 2026
As Mrs Kountouris said, “to date the maintenance work that has been applied were rescued and focused on the ancient members of the Conservatory”.
The most extensive recent program was executed during the period 2011 – 2015, co -financed by the NSRF as part of the PEP. “Attica 2007-2013” and “mainly concerned interventions in the eastern and western part of the southern front wall of the monument scene,” as explained by Ms. Kountouris. In addition, during the two years 2022 -2024 work was carried out in the central part of the front wall, while a detailed record of its maintenance status was recorded.
Although the Ephorate of Antiquities of Athens systematically takes care of the maintenance of Herodion -“it is obvious that an ancient monument in use requires regular maintenance,” he noted, noting that every year, usually March and November, maintenance work is being carried out -new work will be clear.
At the moment, the preparation of an interdisciplinary research program has begun by the National Technical University of Athens (School of Architectural Engineering). In this context, according to what Mrs Kountouris said in RES-EIA, work will be carried out to fasten and restore the southern wall of the scene, the wet and its perimeter wall with a static resolution as well as a geotechnical research. Also, the static adequacy of the restored sections of the old restorations of the 1950s and their repairs where it is necessary will be checked.
Of particular interest is the revelation and promotion of the stage building and its mosaic floors, which so far remain invisible. At the same time, the monument will be inspected and appreciated by an audio burden.
In addition, architectural and static design of new installations will be implemented to renovate the interior of the dressing rooms, wcs of the festival and archaeological site and design of new equipment, while adding facilities and infrastructures of the Festival south of the Honorary Square of Herodos Square.
For the entire monument and the surrounding area, rainwater runs will be planned, redesigning the networks, and finally the work will be included in the work of the monument and the upgrading of the sewer system.
Ms Kountouris estimated that the detailed presentation of the studies would take place in January or February 2026, after being examined by the Central Archaeological Council.
A theater with a “heavy” story
Great -range artists, Greeks and foreigners, singers, composers, orchestra directors, actors, have appeared in this flagship space: Richard Strauss gave a concert in 1926, to the young Maria Kalogeropoulou who made her debut to the master in 1944 and later in the international diva, Callas now, returning in 1957.
By Frank Sinatra and Elton John, to Yanni and Jean Michel Zar. From Montserat Campagie and the three tenors (Luciano Pavarotti, Planto Domingo, Jose Carreras) in Patti Smith and James. From Theodorakis, Hadjidakis and Xarhakos, to Savvopoulos and Nana Mouskouri in Marinella and Haroula Alexiou. The list is very big.
Last year, Herodion became the place where the Coldplay band returned the video clip for its new song “Feels Like I Falling in Love”, in the presence of 2,000 fans from Greece and abroad.
With “Rigoletto” today, Herodion hosts a production, featuring distinguished monodes from Greece and abroad, in a revival of the directing of Katerina Evangelatou, artistic director of the Athens Festival and Epidaurus.
The public warmly and prolonged the coefficients during the bow. Later, the lights light up and the theater empties. This was one of the last applause in the ancient theater. Not as “goodbye”, but as “in the re -“. ” And as a “thank you” for so many hot summer nights that gave color and aroma to our summers.