Theater as an art form was formed around the 500s. BC. in Ancient Greece. The performances were based on 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 miraclia. The theater, approximately in the form to which modern people are accustomed to, began to emerge during the Renaissance. Today, there are several theaters in every state and city. From our article you can learn about the most famous and visited of them.

10. Odeon of Herodes Atticus | Athens, Greece)

You can touch the history by visiting the theater called the Odeon of Herodotus Atticus. It was erected by a Greek orator in 165 AD and is 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 survive almost in its original form. Only the statues in the niches, the roof and the marble lining succumbed to the destruction of time.

The theater is designed for 5000 seats. It underwent restoration in the 1950s. You can enter inside by buying a ticket for a concert or a play.

World-famous stars such as Maria Callas, Nikos Portokaloglou, Elton John and others performed on the stage of the theater .

Interesting fact: Herodotus’ Odeon is one of the main stages where the performances of the annual Athens Festival take place.

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 structure was completed in 80 AD. under the reign of Emperor Titus.

The arena was originally created as a venue for various spectacles, such as gladiator fights, baiting of wild animals, naval battles (for this purpose, the amphitheater was specially subjected to partial flooding), etc.

In the Middle Ages, the Colosseum began to deteriorate greatly, people took its stones for their own needs, for example, to build houses, etc. Currently partially restored.

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 performances, performances of musical groups, and is also one of the greatest architectural monuments.

8. Chicago Theater | Chicago (USA)

The building was designed in 1921, it is located in Chicago and is the brightest symbol of the city. Initially, the building was built with the expectation of 3880 seats.

Fun Fact: In 1979, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The public could watch movies and live performances here. During the activity of the famous theater, the best world-famous stars gave performances on its stage.

In 1985 it was closed. But he resumed his activities in 1986 with the help of a play by Frank Sinatra.

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.

Performances were held here until the mid-1960s, then the building moved from Broadway to another location.

It works nine months a year, every day, except Sunday, shows are shown in it. Almost all operas are performed by artists in their original language. The main repertoire consists of works of world classics .

The opera is designed for 3,900 seats. The building has a main stage and three additional ones.

Such well-known personalities as Zinka Milanova sang within its walls; Fedor Chaliapin; Astrid Varnay and many other performers.

6. Royal Opera House Covent Garden | London, Great Britain)

Located in London, its building was erected in 1858. It became the third, which was located in this place earlier. The building was reconstructed in the 1990s.

To date, the theater has a capacity of over 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 was able to start working again.

The building was destroyed for the second time in the late 1850s, during the same period the third and last version of it 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.

Such world-famous personalities as Sarah Bernhardt, Jean Marais, Cecil Sorel, Louis Jouvet, Madeleine Renault, Josephine Baker and many others have performed 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 Saone River.

With seats for more than 1,000 spectators, it is designed in such a way that even fans of this art form who are far from the stage can hear and see perfectly 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 musical performances, concert programs of various styles of music and Catalan songs.

Also, international meetings are often held here, for example, representatives of the authorities of various states, conferences, excursions for travelers are arranged. In 1997, the building was included in the UNESCO list.

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 structure is unique, its design is similar to ship sails, there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world.

Every year it hosts a huge number of performances. The architect was Jorn Utzon.

The construction of the opera lasted about 14 years. The structure 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 the city, but is also famous all over the world.

2. Vienna State Opera | Vienna, Austria)

The Vienna State Opera was constructed in 1869. The imperial couple was present at the opening of the theatre, on that day the famous opera by the composer Mozart was staged on its stage.

During the war, the building was destroyed, only a few parts of it survived, it was restored only in 1955, during the same period the tradition of holding annual balls was restored.

1. La Scala | Milan, Ital

Located in Milan, it was built in 1778. It was designed by an Italian architect, the style of the building is neoclassical.

Its building is known worldwide for its excellent acoustics. The name was given to him by the church, which was previously located in this place.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, operas by composers from Italy were performed on its stage , for example, Cimarosa, Mayra, Anfossi, Cherubini and many others.

During the war, the building was destroyed, it was restored in 1946. The last time it was restored was in 2004.

Today the theater can be called one of the best centers of opera culture in the world.