Kos Roman Odeon

Location: Town

Amongst all the ancient sights of Kos Town, the Roman Odeon is definitely a must-see. Located in the heart of the town, it is a magnificent structure lying within easy walking distance from the West Archaeological Zone, the ancient theater and the Casa Romana, a restored Roman residence.

The Odeon was constructed in the 2nd century AD, on the site of a pre-existing building that probably housed the city’s bouleuterion (the council chamber). Besides the music contests that took place there, the Gerousia, the public authority of Kos, also used the premises to honor distinguished citizens of the island.

It was a 12-meter-high complex that could accommodate up to 750 spectators and the cavea, the seating section, was supported by arched constructions resting on pillars of caster masonry. It consisted of 14 rows of marble seats and was divided into two sections by an aisle, while four staircases further separated the lower division into smaller parts. Under the cavea lay two semicircular porticos and a series of rooms used as shops or workrooms. This is actually one of the best things to see in the Odeon, as these nearly underground corridors look like a tunnel. There, visitors will also have the chance to see a photography exhibition organized by the Archaeological Institute of Aegean Studies.

The Odeon of Kos also stands out for the unusual shape of the scene, which forms an irregular pentagon composed of the proscenium (the front part) and the parascenium (the backstage). The floor of the circular orchestra was decorated with impressive marble works, while the parodoi, the passageways on either side of the scene, were also adorned with mosaic floors. As for the inner galleries of the Odeon, they boasted marble statues the most notable of which, that of Hippocrates, is today displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Kos.

Extensive restoration works were carried out both in the 1920s-1930s and the 1990s, so that the first nine rows of seats have been reconstructed in their original form. Moreover, in an attempt to showcase this magnificent monument, the Roman Odeon now hosts a variety of cultural events during the summer months.