01 What it is: A 2nd-century Roman odeon built for music and performances.
02 Location: On the southwest slope of the Acropolis in Athens.
03 History: Built by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Regilla, who died in AD 160.
04 Daytime access: The interior is not normally open as a standard walk-in attraction; visitors usually view the monument from the Acropolis slopes.
05 2026 update: Special farewell performances were held in June 2026 before the Odeon entered a multi-year restoration period.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, often called the Herodion, is one of the most distinctive ancient monuments on the slopes of the Acropolis. Built in the 2nd century AD by the wealthy Athenian benefactor Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Regilla, it originally functioned as a roofed venue for music and performances.
Unlike most ancient performance buildings, the Odeon later returned to cultural use in modern Athens.
However, 2026 marks an important transition: after a special series of farewell performances in June, the monument is entering an extended restoration period expected to last several years. (Athens Epidaurus Festival)
Odeon of Herodes Atticus Architecture & What to See
Built directly against the Acropolis slope, the Odeon combines Roman performance architecture with a dramatic natural setting. Although it appears open-air today, the ancient building was originally roofed.
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The Auditorium The semicircular cavea rises steeply against the Acropolis slope and originally accommodated around 5,000 spectators. 🏛️
The Stage Façade The monumental stone stage building originally rose several storeys and featured arched openings behind the performance area. ◒
The Orchestra The semicircular orchestra lies between the seating and stage, reflecting the Roman adaptation of earlier Greek performance-space design. 🪵
The Original Roof One of the Odeon's most remarkable original features was its large cedar roof. The monument visitors see today is therefore very different from its enclosed ancient appearance. Look from above: The Acropolis slopes provide one of the clearest ways to appreciate the Odeon's semicircular layout, monumental façade and relationship with the surrounding hillside.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus does not operate like a conventional archaeological attraction with unrestricted daytime interior access.
Visitors exploring the Acropolis slopes can see the monument from surrounding archaeological paths and elevated viewpoints, but the seating area and stage are not normally available for casual daytime entry.
Because the Odeon is now entering a restoration period, do not rely on older guides that describe a regular summer performance season or standard venue access. Check the current official archaeological and Athens Epidaurus Festival information before planning a visit specifically around interior access.
For sightseeing, morning or later afternoon can be more comfortable than the hottest part of the day, especially during summer.
Why Visit the Odeon of Herodes Atticus?
The Odeon is worth seeing because it combines Roman architecture, Acropolis scenery and almost two millennia of cultural history in one place.
Its steep semicircular auditorium and monumental stage façade make it visually very different from the temples above it. The building is also unusual because it was originally roofed, even though visitors today see it as an open-air structure.
For decades it also served as one of Athens’ major modern performance venues, giving the monument a living cultural role rather than leaving it solely as an archaeological ruin.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus History
- The Odeon was constructed during the 2nd century AD with funding from Herodes Atticus, an influential Athenian benefactor and Roman-era public figure.
- According to the Greek Ministry of Culture, it was built in memory of his wife Regilla, who died in AD 160.
- The building was designed as a covered venue for musical and cultural performances. Its original architecture included a large roof and a monumental façade behind the stage. The official Athens guide specifically describes a cedar roof and a three-storey façade of arches.
- Over the centuries, the monument was damaged and fell out of use. Archaeological work later revealed and documented the structure, while major restoration in the 20th century allowed it to function again as a performance venue.
- In modern times, the Odeon became closely associated with the Athens Epidaurus Festival and hosted internationally known performers.
- In June 2026, the Festival organised a special Farewell Celebrations programme before the venue closed for an extended restoration project. The Festival describes the closure as lasting “a few years,” rather than a normal seasonal shutdown.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus Architecture & What to See
Built directly against the Acropolis slope, the Odeon combines Roman performance architecture with a dramatic natural setting. Although it appears open-air today, the ancient building was originally roofed.
🏟️
The Auditorium The semicircular cavea rises steeply against the Acropolis slope and originally accommodated around 5,000 spectators. 🏛️
The Stage Façade The monumental stone stage building originally rose several storeys and featured arched openings behind the performance area. ◒
The Orchestra The semicircular orchestra lies between the seating and stage, reflecting the Roman adaptation of earlier Greek performance-space design. 🪵
The Original Roof One of the Odeon's most remarkable original features was its large cedar roof. The monument visitors see today is therefore very different from its enclosed ancient appearance. Look from above: The Acropolis slopes provide one of the clearest ways to appreciate the Odeon's semicircular layout, monumental façade and relationship with the surrounding hillside.
Can You Visit the Odeon of Herodes Atticus Without a Performance?
You can see the Odeon without attending a performance, particularly while exploring the Acropolis slopes, but normal sightseeing does not generally include free access to the auditorium and stage.
Historically, entering the performance area required a ticket for a scheduled event rather than an ordinary archaeological visit.
This distinction is especially important in 2026, because the venue has entered a multi-year restoration period. Visitors should therefore check current official access information rather than assuming that the interior or performance programme is operating normally.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus Tickets, Events & Concerts
Odeon of Herodes Atticus tickets for performances have traditionally been separate from archaeological-site admission.
The venue has been closely associated with the Athens Epidaurus Festival, hosting music, theatre and other cultural events. In June 2026, however, the Festival held a special farewell programme before the venue closed for restoration.
This means visitors should not expect a normal ongoing concert schedule in the immediate future.
For future Odeon of Herodes Atticus events and concerts, check the official Athens Epidaurus Festival programme and current monument announcements before travelling.
How to Get to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon sits on the southwest slope of the Acropolis, close to Dionysiou Areopagitou pedestrian street.
By Metro
The most convenient nearby Metro station is Acropoli on Line 2. From there, the area can be reached on foot via Dionysiou Areopagitou.
The approach towards the Odeon and Acropolis involves uphill sections and uneven paving in places, which can be relevant for visitors with reduced mobility.
For more information, see our Acropolis Guide and Athens Public Transport Guide.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Check the current restoration status: Access conditions may change during the multi-year restoration period.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The Acropolis slopes include uneven stone surfaces and uphill sections.
- Avoid peak heat where possible: Summer midday conditions can make the exposed archaeological area uncomfortable.
- Check official event information: Older websites may still show the Odeon as if it has a normal annual concert season.
- Accessibility: The surrounding approach can be steep and uneven. Visitors with reduced mobility should review current accessible-route guidance before visiting.
FAQ
What is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus?
It is a 2nd-century Roman odeon on the southwest slope of the Acropolis, originally built for musical and cultural performances.
Who built the Odeon of Herodes Atticus?
It was built by the wealthy Athenian benefactor Herodes Atticus.
Why was the Odeon of Herodes Atticus built?
It was constructed in memory of Herodes Atticus’ wife, Regilla, who died in AD 160.
How old is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus?
The monument dates from the 2nd century AD, making it roughly 1,850 years old.
Can you go inside the Odeon of Herodes Atticus?
Not as a normal unrestricted daytime attraction. Interior access has historically been tied mainly to performances and special access, and the venue is now entering a multi-year restoration period.
Is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus included in the Acropolis ticket?
You can view the monument while visiting the Acropolis slopes, but this should not be confused with admission to the Odeon’s auditorium or with a performance ticket. Current archaeological access arrangements should be checked before visiting.
Are concerts still held at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus?
The Odeon historically hosted major concerts and performances. Special farewell events were held in June 2026, after which the venue entered an extended restoration period. Visitors should check future official announcements before expecting performances.
How many people does the Odeon of Herodes Atticus hold?
Its capacity is generally estimated at around 5,000 spectators.
An odeon was an ancient performance building used particularly for music, recitation and similar cultural events. Odeons were often smaller than major dramatic theatres and could be roofed.
What is the difference between the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysus?
The Theatre of Dionysus is much older and is closely associated with the development of ancient Greek drama. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was built in the Roman period, originally had a roof and was designed particularly for music and performance. In modern times, the Odeon also returned to active performance use.
