Theater as a form of art was formed around the 500s. BC. in ancient Greece. The productions were based on the mysteries that were dedicated to the patron gods, primarily Dionysus.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the ancient theater was forgotten. In the Middle Ages, more attention was paid to liturgical dramas and miracles.
The theater was born in approximately the form that modern people are accustomed to, began during the Renaissance.
Today in every state and city there are several theaters. From our article you can find out about most famous and visited of them.
10. Odeon of Herodes Atticus | Athens, Greece)
You can touch history by visiting a theater called the Odeon of Herodotus Attica. It was erected by a Greek speaker in 165 AD, located in Athens.
Outwardly, it looks like a classic amphitheater, which was built in ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. Surprisingly, for so many years he managed to remain almost in its original form. Only statues in niches, a roof and marble cladding succumbed to the destruction of time.
Designed theater for 5000 seats. It was restored in the 1950s. You can enter inside by buying a ticket for a concert or staging a play.
World-famous stars, such as Maria Callas, Nikos Portokaloglu, Elton John and others, performed on the stage of the theater.
Interesting fact: The Odeon of Herodotus is one of the main stage venues at which the annual Athens Festival performs.
9. Colosseum | Rome, Italy)
The amphitheater is located in Rome, it began to be built in 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian. The construction of the building was completed in 80 during the reign of Emperor Titus.
The arena was originally created as a venue for various shows, for example, gladiatorial battles, harassment of wild animals, sea battles (for this the amphitheater was specially subjected to partial flooding), etc.
In the Middle Ages, the Colosseum began to collapse, people took its stones for their own needs, for example, for building houses, etc. Currently partially refurbished.
And in its original form, the amphitheater accommodated approximately 87,000 people, today about 50,000. Today, the huge arena serves as a stage for theatrical productions, performances by musical groups, and is also one of the greatest architectural monuments.
8. Chicago Theater | Chicago (USA)
The building was constructed in 1921, it is located in Chicago and is the brightest symbol of the city. Initially, the construction was built with the expectation of 3880 places.
Interesting fact: In 1979, it was included in the National Register of Historic Places.
The audience could watch movies and live performances here. Throughout the activities of the famous theater on its stage, the best stars of world renown were performing.
In 1985, it was closed. But he resumed his activity in 1986 with the help of the Frank Sinatra play.
7. The Metropolitan Opera House | New York, USA)
The Musical Theater is located in New York, was built in 1880, but destroyed by fire in 1892, was restored.
There were performances until the mid-1960s, then the building moved from Broadway to another place.
He works nine months a year, every day, except Sunday, shows are shown in him. Almost all operas are performed by artists in the original language. The main repertoire consists of works of world classics.
The opera is designed for 3 900 places. The building has a main stage and three additional ones.
Within its walls sang such famous personalities as: Zinka Milanova; Fedor Chaliapin; Astrid Varnay and many other artists.
6. Royal Opera House Covent Garden | London, Great Britain)
Located in London, its building was erected in 1858. It became the third, which was in this place earlier. The construction was reconstructed in the 1990s.
To date, the theater holds more than 2,200 seats for the public. The first building was built in 1720-1730. In 1808 it was destroyed. But next year it was restored, and again was able to start working.
The second time the building was destroyed in the late 1850s, in the same period the third and last version was built.
Previously, people could get into it by buying a ticket for a performance, but today everyone can see the interior of the theater by signing up for an excursion program.
5. Les Celestins | Lyon (France)
The French theater is located in Lyon, was built in 1877. For more than 200 years, performances (dramas and comedies), operas, concerts and famous plays have been staged on its stage.
World-famous personalities such as Sarah Bernhardt, Jean Marais, Cecil Sorel, Louis Jouvet, Madeleine Reno, Josephine Baker and many others spoke here.
Interesting fact: The building "Les Celestins" was erected on the site of an ancient monastery, which had the same name and was located on the banks of the Sona River.
It has seats for more than 1,000 spectators, it is designed in such a way that even fans of this art form that are far from the stage can hear and see what is happening on the stage.
4. Palau de la Musica Catalana | Barcelona, Spain)
The theater is located in Barcelona, was opened in 1908. It is intended for conducting musical performances, concert programs in various areas of music and Catalan song.
Also, meetings of international level are often held here, for example, representatives of the authorities of various states, conferences, and excursions for travelers are arranged. In 1997, the building was listed by UNESCO.
Today it is one of the significant symbols and architectural monuments of the city.
3. Sydney Opera House | Sydney, Australia)
The building was erected in 1973. The construction is unique, its design is similar to ship sails, this is no longer anywhere in the world.
Every year it hosts a huge number of submissions. The architect was Jorn Utzon.
The construction of the opera lasted about 14 years. The construction was erected in the style of expressionism, its length is 185 meters and a width of 120 meters.
Today it is positioned not only as the main attraction of the country and city, but is also known throughout the world.
For reference: Performances of opera performers, a symphony orchestra and ballet are held here.
2. Vienna State Opera | Vienna, Austria)
The Vienna State Opera was constructed in 1869. At the opening of the theater, an imperial couple was present, on this day the famous opera of the composer Mozart was staged on its stage.
In wartime, the building was destroyed, only a few parts were preserved, it was restored only in 1955, and the tradition of holding annual balls was restored in the same period.
Today it is the most important opera scene in the world.
1. La Scala | Milan, Italy)
Located in Milan, it was built in 1778. It was designed by the Italian architect, the construction style is neoclassical.
Its building is world famous for its excellent acoustics. The name was given to him by the church, which was previously located in this place.
In the 18-19th century, operas by composers from Italy, for example, Cimarosa, Myra, Anfossi, Cherubini and many others, were performed on its stage.
In wartime, the building was destroyed, it was restored in 1946. The last time it was restored in 2004.
Today, the theater can be called one of the best centers of opera culture in the world.