The hill of Lycabettus, the mythical rock that fell from the hands of the goddess Athena while transporting it from Penteli for the fortification of the Acropolis, and was the highest and most panoramic landmark of the Basin, this summer will come back to life, with all its glory.

The historic theater, fully renovated, reinforced and secured, will raise its curtain, spreading abundant light and musical melodies on the footpaths of the hill and throughout the capital.

The Lycabettus Theater is restored to reopen as a metropolitan cultural pole after 15 years of silence, with the surrounding area remodeled and functional, based on the original design of the great architect Takis Zenetou.

The regional governor of Attica, Giorgos Patoulis, referring to the hyperlocal character of the project, in his statements to APE-MPE, characterizes it as “a reference point for cultural events but also a landmark – a jewel for Attica”.

He expresses his satisfaction that “the Region is financing such an emblematic project, in its heart, increasing its overall and significantly development character, with the Cultural goodwill it confers” and estimates that “it will soon become an important focus of tourist development for the capital and the whole country”.

The acceleration of the implementation procedures and the current image of the absolute construction site that dominates the theater area, he adds, “promises its completion, within the schedule”, as defined by the programming contract between the Region, the Department of Culture and of the municipality of Athens (project implementation body), which we co-signed at the beginning of February. Based on which “the project of restoring the Theater with a budget of 3,960,000 euros will be financed by resources of the Region of Attica”.

The mayor of Athens, Kostas Bakoyannis, is determined to hand over the theater, now classified as a listed monument, ready for the residents and visitors of Athens by August 30 at the latest, noting that particular importance is being given to the overall reconstruction of the hill and its infrastructure.

At the same time, a big festival is being organized for September so that the citizens, returning from the holidays, have the opportunity to be entertained again in this wonderful historical place.

In this context, time is counting down for the reconstruction of the theater. The crews are working feverishly, removing the old seats, building new bleachers, strengthening the organization’s stability with concreting, wooden and metal constructions and other electromechanical interventions.

They are adding a sewage system and toilets for everyone, reconstructing the cell, replacing the water supply networks, installing new security systems, fire detection-fire fighting, public address and telephone installation while also installing innovative perimeter lighting to highlight the theater and the rocks.

The project, carefully considered, retains its old form, but is functionally upgraded, consistently. The capacity of 3,850 seats will be able to increase significantly up to 6,000 visitors with the configuration and interventions of the surrounding area in front of the theater.

Finally, this top, nature and position, historical monument, in the old damari of the Athenian hill, in the summer will redefine the artistic events of Athens and will resurrect tender memories, promises, plans and experiences that many generations of young people lived through endless nights in the illuminated capital under the starry sky. The “imprint” of the collective memory in the emblematic space-time will come to life again while the possibility of its continuation will be given to the younger generations as well, as the mayor K. Bakoyannis pointed out on the occasion of the complete ignorance of the Lycabettus “phenomenon” by today’s teenagers.

Costas Bakoyiannis characterizes the hill of Lykavittos as “another link in the chain of the municipality’s interventions for the total transformation of Athens into a modern city, which respects the environment and people, invests in free public spaces and greenery, improving the daily life of the citizens living in the capital or visiting it”.

For his part, the regional governor G. Patoulis adds that the Region of Attica, in addition to funding for the reconstruction and re-operation of the capital’s cultural landmarks (Conservatory, Art Gallery, temples, museums, etc.) “constantly supports the Municipality of Athens to implement projects that improve the standard of living of the citizens of Athens”.

In this context and from its own resources, it has financed more than 20 projects, over 15 million euros, which concern: asphalt pavements on all main roads, waste drainage projects in extensive areas, construction of open sports areas (basketball, volleyball, tennis courts), 5×5 pitches as well as the reconstruction of the Metz indoor stadium.

Finally, from the PEP Attica 2014-2020, the municipality of Athens has been financed with 40 million euros for projects and actions, such as: Reconstruction of the Serafios Swimming Pool, upgrading of national garden infrastructure, energy upgrading of buildings, community centers and other social actions.