The Athens Festival is the premier festival in Greece and one of the oldest festivals in Europe. Every year, in the months of June and July, the Festival hosts numerous theatre, dance, music, and visual artists, famous in Greece and worldwide, attracting large audiences from all around the world.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is the Festival's main performance venue. This breathtakingly beautiful Roman Odeon dates from the 2nd century A.D. and was built in honour of Herode's wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. Restored in the 1950s and having a capacity of 5,000, the Odeon has, over the years, welcomed some of the greatest performing stars in the world, boasting names such as Luciano Pavarotti, Frank Sinatra, Nana Mouskouri, Liza Minnelli, Maria Callas and many other internationally acclaimed artists and groups, whose spellbinding performances have astounded and continue to astound audiences.

Since 2006, the Festival venues have seen a gradual expansion, initially at the renovated, modern venues of Peiraios 260 and more recently to various locations throughout the city of Athens and Piraeus, including outdoor areas and archaeological sites.

The Epidaurus Festival focuses principally on ancient Greek drama. Performances are held in two venues, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus. Built in the 4th century B.C. and located inside the Asclepius sanctuary, at the heart of the beautiful Argolis region, the Ancient Theatre is world-renowned for its unparalleled acoustics and elegant aesthetics. The Ancient Theatre is dedicated to ancient Greek drama, hosting tragedies and comedies, performed by Greek and international theatre groups alike, with English surtitles for international visitors. In addition to theatrical productions, the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus hosts concerts and dance productions. Performances are held at the two theatres every Friday and Saturday.

The Athens & Epidaurus Festival is by far the most important cultural event in the country, combining tradition with modernity. Internationally celebrated and Greek artists meet in this celebration of theatre, music, dance, and visual arts to share their astounding work with the audience. Visitors from all over the world have a unique opportunity to participate in this massive celebration, at the same time enjoying the natural beauties of the magical Greek landscape.

For more information about the Festival, its events and history, please visit:

http://greekfestival.gr/en

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Press office:

Maria Panagiotopoulou, Head of Press Office

210 9282 918 – press@greekfestival.gr

Martha Koskina

210 9280 918 – mkoskina@greekfestival.gr

Panagiotis Panagiotidis

210 9282 919 – p.panayotidis@greekfestival.gr