The Herod Atticus Conservatory will remain closed for 3 years. This year is the latest production of the Athens – Epidaurus Festival before closing 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 events and visitors, according to Elena Kountouris, Head of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities and Deputy Head of Ephorate of Antiquities of Athens, who spoke to Athens.

As he said, the purpose of the work to be done is “on the one hand maintaining and on the other to improve the readability of the monument by the general public”. In addition, as he noted, the infrastructure of the Athens and Epidaurus infrastructure will be upgraded and improved.

Various forms of damage

This theater is full, summer and lightweight clothes, as summer is “in the fort”, the Pentecost marbles are still warm, due to the heat of the heat, while the breeze is scarce. A girl in a adjacent position holds her high -heeled sandals and has worn the flip flops given by his personal festival. Shortly before the show begins, there is a prayer for respect for the space and the encouragement to remain clean.

Inevitably, the various forms of damage that the monument has suffered in recent decades have come to mind.

According to Mrs Kountouris, the forms of damage observed are:

– 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.

– Crames that go deep inside the stone and surface cracks, which are mainly found in the hollow but also in other places.

– Fragrances 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 ensures the maintenance of Herodion-“it is obvious that an ancient monument in use requires regular maintenance,” he said, noting that every year, usually March and November, maintenance work is being carried out-the 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

It’s evening. The lights turn off and the only headlamp that lights up “follows” the maestro Derik Inino on his way to the podium, to direct the National Opera Orchestra.

A scene that has been repeated many times for decades, since Herodion has been the focus of the summer artistic event since the establishment of the Athens Festival in 1955.

Great -range artists, Greeks and foreigners, singers, composers, orchestra directors, actors, have appeared in this iconic venue: by Richard Strauss who gave a 1926 concert, to the young Maria Kalogeropoulou, who made her 19 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.