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Odeon of Herodes Atticus

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Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Greece)

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The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a majestic stone Roman theater located on the southern slope of the Acropolis in Athens. Built in 161 AD by the wealthy Roman senator Herodes Atticus in memory of his deceased wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla, it remains one of the finest examples of ancient entertainment architecture. Originally, the theater featured a wooden roof made of expensive Lebanese cedar, which provided exceptional acoustics and protected the 5,000 spectators from the elements. The three-story proscenium wall was ornately decorated with marble and statues, creating a dramatic backdrop for musical and theatrical performances. After being destroyed during the Herulian invasion in 267 AD, the theater lay in ruins for nearly two millennia until a major restoration project in the 1950s. During this renovation, the seating area was reconstructed with white Pentelic marble, restoring its functionality. Today, it serves as the premier venue for the Athens Festival, hosting world-class concerts and performances.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C91012152025282724191511
Rain mm66585330212012829496986

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
This magnificent ancient theatre primarily functions as a performing arts venue today and is best appreciated by attending an official live cultural performance. When no events are scheduled, tourists can clearly view the impressive semi-circular structure and its restored seating from the elevated pedestrian paths surrounding the Acropolis.
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Typical hours
Access directly to the interior seating area is strictly regulated and generally limited exclusively to the specific times when performances or official tours are actively taking place. The exterior viewing areas along the slopes are accessible throughout the daytime in conjunction with the standard Acropolis archeological site visiting hours.
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Photography
Capturing the grandeur of the amphitheater from the pathways above is highly encouraged and yields spectacular architectural images against the Athenian skyline. Flash photography and professional tripods are frequently restricted during live evening performances to respect the atmosphere and the working artists on stage.
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Time needed
Pausing to admire the sweeping architecture from the exterior perimeter usually requires about twenty to thirty minutes as part of a broader walk. Attending an actual cultural event, including the time for admission and seating, will typically occupy between two to four hours of your evening itinerary.
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Combine with
Due to its prominent placement, exploring the theater is naturally coupled with a comprehensive visit to the upper monuments of the magnificent Acropolis itself. Before an evening concert, strolling through the historic Plaka neighborhood and enjoying a traditional Greek dinner sets a wonderfully atmospheric mood.
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Getting there
The venue is smoothly reached by taking the dedicated paved pedestrian promenade named Dionysiou Areopagitou that gracefully skirts the southern base of the sacred rock. The Acropolis metro station is conveniently situated just a short, highly scenic walk away from the theater's main operational entrance points.
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Insider tip
If you manage to secure tickets for a summer performance, be aware that the ancient stone seating does not have backrests and can feel somewhat hard over time. Bringing a small, unobtrusive cushion can immensely improve your physical comfort while enjoying the world-class acoustics under the starry night sky.

Geography

Coordinates
37.97080, 23.72470

Facts

  • Completed in 161 AD by the senator Herodes Atticus.
  • It accommodates approximately 5,000 spectators.
  • The original structure had a wooden roof for acoustics.
  • The theater was burned down by the Heruli in 267 AD.
  • Restoration using Pentelic marble took place in the 1950s.
  • It is the main venue for the annual Athens & Epidaurus Festival.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Temple of Athena NikeTemple of Athena Nike<1 km · NExplore →
National Archaeological MuseumNational Archaeological Museum2 km · NExplore →
Nea SmyrniNea Smyrni3 km · SExplore →
ZografouZografou3 km · EExplore →
MoschatoMoschato4 km · SWExplore →
South AthensSouth Athens4 km · SWExplore →
Agios Ioannis RentiAgios Ioannis Renti5 km · WExplore →
PeristeriPeristeri5 km · NWExplore →

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Sights in the town Odeon of Herodes Atticus (10)

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Roman theatre on the south slope of the Acropolis, built in 161 AD.

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Aphrodite Temple

Foundations of a temple dedicated to Aphrodite on the Acropolis.

Ancient ruins

Unspecified ancient ruins at the foot of the Acropolis.

Nemesis Temple

Remains of a possible sanctuary of Nemesis on the Acropolis rock.

Bronze Foundries

Area on the Acropolis where bronze was cast in antiquity.

Athena Nike Temple

Temple of Athena Nike from the 5th century BC on the Acropolis.

Beulé Gate

Roman gate at the west entrance of the Acropolis, named after its excavator.

Monument of Agrippa

Marble base of a statue of Marcus Agrippa near the Acropolis entrance.

St. Sophia

Orthodox church in Athens, dedicated to Saint Sophia.

Athena Promachos statue place

Site of the colossal lost bronze statue of Athena Promachos by Phidias.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus located?
On the southern slope of the Acropolis in Athens.
Can you attend performances there?
Yes, from May to October, concerts and plays are held as part of the Athens Festival.
Is the Odeon open daily for tourists?
No, it is usually only accessible during events. However, it can be seen from above.
When was it built?
It was built in 161 AD by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife.
How many spectators can it hold?
It has a capacity for about 5,000 spectators.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus: where is it located?
Odeon of Herodes Atticus is located in Greece.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus: what is there to see?
Highlights include Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Aphrodite Temple, Ancient ruins.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus: why is it worth visiting?
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a majestic stone Roman theater located on the southern slope of the Acropolis in Athens.
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