The Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens

Located on the southern slope of the Acropolis, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stunning ancient theater that is definitely worth checking out.

Follow the guide!

A Brief History of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens

Origins of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus was constructed by wealthy Greek businessman Herodes Atticus in honor of his wife, Regilla, who was a great lover of music and theater.

The theater played host to music and theater performances, as well as singing competitions. Although relatively small, it could hold around 5,000 spectators and was renowned for its exceptional acoustics.

Over the centuries, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus suffered significant damage, particularly during the Gothic invasion in the 4th century. It was gradually abandoned and eventually fell into ruin. In the centuries that followed, the stones from the Odeon of Herodes Atticus were repurposed for the construction of new buildings.

Rediscovery of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus

In the 19th century, German archaeologists rediscovered the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The theater was subsequently restored and once again began hosting musical and theatrical performances.

Today, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a must-visit venue for performances in Athens, regularly featuring operas, classical music concerts, and theatrical productions.

Over the years, the stage of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus has been graced by many renowned artists, including Luciano Pavarotti, Maria Callas, Placido Domingo, Elton John, and Sting.

Discovering the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is located on the southern slope of the Acropolis of Athens, near the Theatre of Dionysus.

This semi-circular theater is surrounded by Doric columns. The interior of the building is very well-preserved and offers breathtaking views of the city.

Captain Ulysses highly recommends attending performances on the theater’s stage if you have the opportunity. Concerts and theatrical performances are regularly held on the stage of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus: a timeless experience that will undoubtedly delight art and history enthusiasts.

Practical Information

Getting to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Located on the southern slope of the Acropolis in Athens, not far from the historic Plaka neighborhood, the theater is easily accessible via public transportation:

• Metro: The nearest metro station is Akropoli, which is on Line 2 (Red Line) of the Athens metro system.
• Tram: Tram line T3 stops at the Makrygianni stop, which is about a ten-minute walk from the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
• Bus: Bus lines 230, 236, 237, and 550 stop at the Acropoli stop, which is approximately a 10-minute walk from the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

Performances at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus

If you’re interested in catching a show at this historic venue during your stay in the Greek capital, you can find further information about upcoming performances at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus here.

👉 Avoid waiting in line in Athens: book your tickets and tours in advance!

Credits
Enric Domas | Nihal Patil | Jo Kassis