The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is an ancient theater, simply called "Herodeon" by the locals. It is located at the foot of the Acropolis.
In this guide, read everything you need to know before your visit. This includes the top things to do, entrance and the history of the ancient site.
Let's start!
Things to Do at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus regularly hosts major concerts and performances by world-famous artists.
To this day, the Herodeon is still one of the most important venues of the Athens Festival, as well as the setting for grandiose ballets, impressive operas and ancient Greek tragedies.
To experience a performance in this theater is a very special experience that no visitor will forget in a hurry.
Entrance, Tickets & Tours to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
- Entrance: The Herodeon is usually open from May to the beginning of October each year.
- Tickets: The Odeon of Herodes Atticus can be visited only in the context of a concert or an event. Otherwise, unfortunately, the visit is not possible.
- Traveler's Tip: From the Acropolis, there is a magnificent view of the ancient amphitheater.
How to Get to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus?
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is centrally located in the Old Town of Athens, right next to the Acropolis.
- By Public Transport: The Odeon of Herodes Atticus can be easily reached by Metro, red line 2, stop "Acropolis".
History & Facts about the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Herodes Atticus had the Odeon built in memory of his deceased wife Regilla between 160 and 174 AD.
Originally the benches and walls of the Odeon were made of marble and decorated with numerous statues, the floor was decorated with mosaics. It was covered by a wooden roof, which is considered the largest roof construction of the ancient world known so far. It had a capacity for 5,000 spectators.
During a looting in 267 AD, the wooden roof was completely destroyed.
Badly damaged over the years, the theater was eventually renovated, but without rebuilding the roof, before reopening in 1955 as the main venue for the "Athens - Epidaurus Festival".
After the renovation, the formerly circular orchestra is now semi-circular in shape and paved with marble. The 35 rows with a diameter of 80 meters can accommodate 4680 spectators.
Today it is considered the oldest preserved Odeon from ancient times.
Many famous personalities have performed here, among them Nana Mouskouri, Luciano Pavarotti and Frank Sinatra.