Odeon of Herodes Atticus — Attraction in Athens

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis in Athens, is a stunning ancient amphitheater renowned for its historical significance and architectural grandeur. Built in 161 AD by the wealthy Athenian Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Regilla, the Odeon was used for musical performances and public events during the Roman period.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a marvel of ancient engineering and design. Constructed primarily of stone and marble, the amphitheater features a semicircular orchestra surrounded by tiers of marble seats, capable of accommodating thousands of spectators. The original roof was likely made of timber and covered with expensive materials such as marble or tiles.

What sets the Odeon apart is its exceptional acoustics, a testament to the architectural prowess of ancient builders. Performers in the center of the orchestra could project their voices to the farthest reaches of the theater without the aid of modern amplification, making it an ideal venue for musical and theatrical performances.

Over the centuries, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned. However, in the 1950s, the Greek government undertook a major restoration project to revive this ancient gem. Today, the Odeon is used as a venue for the Athens Festival, hosting a variety of performances including concerts, operas, ballets, and theatrical productions.

Visitors to Athens have the opportunity to experience the magic of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus firsthand. Whether attending a live performance or simply exploring the site, the amphitheater offers a captivating glimpse into the cultural and artistic heritage of ancient Greece against the breathtaking backdrop of...

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Herodeion) is a breathtaking ancient theater nestled at the base of the Acropolis in Athens. Built in 161 AD by the wealthy Roman Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, it remains one of the most beautiful and historically rich performance venues in the world.

The moment you step into the site, you are struck by its incredible preservation and timeless elegance. The stone façade, semi-circular tiered seating, and dramatic setting against the Acropolis rock create a unique and almost mystical atmosphere. With a capacity of around 5,000 spectators, the theater maintains an intimate feel, yet it’s grand in scale and acoustics.

What makes the Herodeion truly special is that it’s still in active use today. Each summer, it hosts world-class concerts, operas, ballets, and ancient drama performances as part of the Athens & Epidaurus Festival. Watching a performance here under the Athenian night sky, with the Acropolis illuminated in the background, is simply unforgettable.

The acoustics are phenomenal — you can hear a whisper from the stage even in the back rows. Seating is on marble, so bringing a cushion is highly recommended for comfort. Accessibility is decent for an ancient venue, though visitors with mobility issues may face challenges due to the stone steps.

It’s best to book tickets early, especially for major performances. Arriving early also gives you time to soak in the view and take photos before sunset. Even if you’re not attending a show, visiting during the day for a guided tour is well worth it.

In short, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a must-visit cultural landmark. It beautifully combines antiquity and living art, offering a magical experience that captures the...

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Ωδείο Ηρώδου του Αττικού).

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus also called Herodeion or Herodion is a stone Roman theater structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens, Greece. The building was completed in 161 AD and then renovated in 1950.

In ancient Greek and Rome, the "Odeon" means a building used for musical performance. Some great musician ever performed their shows there such as Herbert von Karajan and the Orchestra of the Athens Conservatory at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in 1939. In 1957 Maria Callas performed at the Odeon as part of the Athens Festival In May 1962. Frank Sinatra gave two Benefit concerts for the city of Athens. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was the venue for the Miss Universe 1973 pageant.

Much more performance made in this place because this place is very supportive for a music concert such as the shape of the building which is Amphiteatre a kind of venue in the open air, then the rows of limestone seats form an efficient acoustics filter that removes low-frequency background noises like the murmuring voice from the audiences and reflects the high-frequency noises of the performers on stage to the seats of audiences, this will carrying an actor's voice all the way to the back rows. Especially at that time, there's no microphone or power amplifier and any other music concert supporting equipment.

When I came there I only find the building amphitheater, no show at all. Only a lonely place with a beautiful view of Athen City from the top and the historical site that maintained like it used to be in the past. Wish someday I can see the performance in this place, then I write it down on my wishing list and...