Odeon of Herodes Atticus: A Timeless Marvel of Ancient Athens

Gracing the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens, Greece, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus stands as an ancient amphitheater built in 161 AD as a tribute to Herodes' beloved wife, Regilla. Originally adorned with a wooden roof, it thrived as a venue for mesmerizing musical and theatrical spectacles until 267 AD when its roof was destroyed. Centuries later, in the 20th century, it was meticulously reconstructed.


Today, this remarkable site has become a vibrant cultural hub, hosting a myriad of events like concerts, plays, and dance performances. Its well-preserved structure, combined with its stunning location on the slopes of the Acropolis, offers a truly unique experience, blending the grandeur of ancient Greek heritage with the richness of contemporary culture. As a cherished destination for both tourists and locals, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus continues to enthrall and inspire audiences from all walks of life while offering breathtaking views of the majestic Acropolis of Athens.

History of Theatre of Herodes Atticus

History of Theatre of Herodes Atticus
  • The Theatre of Herodes Atticus is a stone Roman theatre located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens.
  • It was built in AD 161 by the wealthy Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla.
  • The theatre is semi-circular and was originally covered by a wooden roof with a capacity of nearly 5,000 people.
  • It was built entirely from white marble and other expensive building materials, making it one of the most impressive structures in ancient Athens.
  • It functioned as a venue for concerts, musical performances, and drama productions, and was also used as the meeting place of the Athenian Council.
  • The theatre was abandoned and fell into disrepair after a long history of invasions and wars in Athens, but was later restored in the 1950s and 1960s.
  • Today, the Theatre of Herodes Atticus is still used for various performances, including the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, which takes place annually from May to October.
  • It is also a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of ancient Athens.


Also Visit - Things to do in Acropolis

Tips To Visit Odeon of Herodes Atticus

  • The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is an ancient amphitheater located at the base of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.
  • It is a popular tourist attraction and is also used for special events and performances.
  • When visiting the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, wear comfortable shoes as there are uneven surfaces to navigate.
  • Be sure to bring sunscreen, water, and a hat during the summer months, as the area can be hot and exposed to the sun.
  • Check ahead for events and performances and purchase tickets in advance if possible.
  • Photography is allowed but check for any restrictions before taking photos.
  • Avoid touching any historic artifacts or structures within the Odeon.
  • Enjoy the beautiful views of the Acropolis and Athens that can be seen from the Odeon.


Also Read: Acropolis Of Athens At Night

Know Before You Go Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Essential Information
Accessibility
Essential Information

Plan your visit to Acropolis with these information:

How To Reach:

  • By public transportation: Take the metro line 2 (red line) and disembark at the Acropolis Metro Station. From there, it is a 10-minute walk to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Alternatively, take bus number 230 and disembark at the Acropolis Museum stop. From there, it's a 5-minute walk to the Odeon.
  • By taxi: Taxis are readily available in Athens and can take you directly to the Odeon. It is approximately a 20-minute drive from the city center, depending on traffic.
  • By foot: It is a pleasant walk from the city center to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on your starting point.


Location - Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athina 105 55, Greece


Best Time to Visit- The best time to visit the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is during the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, which takes place annually from May to October. This is when the Odeon is used as a performance venue for a variety of concerts, musicals, and plays. The weather is also pleasant during this time, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.


Suggested Read: Acropolis of Thessaloniki

Acropolis Tickets Options

FAQs for Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Which are the places to visit near the Odeon of Herodes Atticus?

    • Panathenaic Stadium: A marble stadium located next to the National Gardens that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
    • Plaka: A historic neighborhood near the Acropolis with picturesque streets, restaurants, and shops selling traditional Greek handicrafts.
    • Mount Lycabettus: A hill with panoramic views of Athens, accessible by a funicular that takes you to the top.
    • Ancient Agora of Athens: An open-air archaeological site with ruins of ancient buildings and monuments, including the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.
    • National Archaeological Museum: The largest archaeological museum in Greece, featuring collections of ancient Greek art and artifacts from various regions of the country.

What are the best shows at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus Acropolis?

What is the price of the tickets of shows at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus Acropolis?

What is the best time to visit the Odeon of Herodes Atticus?

What is Acropolis famous for?

Things To Do In Acropolis

Explore Greece