“Ever heard a building called a ‘Megaron’?”
Welcome to the Megaron N. Th. Karagkiotis a building at Ethnikis Antistaseos 2 in Athens. This building is not just bricks and mortar. It is a place of commerce and activity.
The Athens Concert Hall is known as the Megaron Moussikis Athinon. It stands on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue. The Athens Concert Hall is a key cultural landmark.
Megaron Moussikis Athinon opened in 1991 with two halls. Later two more halls were added. Now it has four halls of varying sizes. These halls accommodate different performances. Opera performances are a regular feature. The Megaron Moussikis station on Athens Metro Line 3 makes access easy.
Christopher Alexander designed the 8000 square meter floor. His work is detailed in “The Nature of Order”.
The Christos Lambrakis Hall seats 1961 people. It features the biggest pipe organ in Greece. Klais Orgelbau constructed this organ. It boasts 6080 pipes. The Dimitris Mitropoulos Hall is smaller with 494 seats. Chamber music and dance performances occur here.
In 2004 the International Conference Centre expanded the Athens Concert Hall. The Alexandra Trianti Hall accommodates 1750. It hosts operas and ballets. The Nikos Skalkottas Hall is a smaller venue for concerts and conferences. The Lilian Voudouri Music Library holds 126000 titles.
Athens itself is an ancient city. It is considered the birthplace of Western civilization. Approaching from the Middle East one sees a European city. Approaching from Europe reveals Eastern influences. Despite these influences Athens remains distinctly Athenian.
In 2004 Athens hosted the Olympic Games. This event led to significant improvements. New sports venues were built. Public transport expanded dramatically. A new international airport was constructed.
The climate of Athens is mild. Frost is rare. Snow seldom settles. Summers are hot and dry. A northeasterly wind often blows. The nights are cool. Outdoor activities are possible year-round.
The Acropolis is a famous site in Athens. It is located on a limestone hill. The Acropolis has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Over time it has been a home to kings and a religious center.
The Acropolis includes four hills. These are Likavitos Hill the Hill of the Nymphs Pynx Hill and Philapappos Hill. Construction on the Acropolis spans thousands of years. The Mycenaeans built a compound with a large wall.
During the Golden Age of Athens Pericles initiated a massive building project. Architects Callicrates and Ictinus helped plan the project.
Key structures on the Acropolis include the Parthenon and the Propylaea. The Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion are also significant. A giant bronze statue of Athena stood near the Propylaea.
In the sixth century A.D. temples became churches. The Parthenon was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In 1687 the Venetians bombarded the Acropolis. This severely damaged the Parthenon.
In 1801 Lord Elgin removed sculptures. These are now known as the Elgin Marbles. They reside in the British Museum.
After the Greek War of Independence restoration began. The Committee for the Conservation of the Monuments on the Acropolis was established in 1975. They work to conserve and restore the site.
So as you stand before the Megaron N. Th. Karagkiotis remember the Athens Concert Hall. Remember also the city’s history. Consider the Acropolis and its enduring legacy. It shows the blend of commerce history and culture that defines Athens.