Claim to Fame
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a 2nd-century AD Roman theater—celebrated for its striking stone façade, acoustically superb semicircular orchestra, and its revival as a premier festival venue beneath the Acropolis.
📌 Navigating Odeon of Herodes Atticus : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- Washrooms: Public washrooms are available near the entrance.
- Hours of Operation: Hours of operation vary by event, but the site is generally open during daylight hours.
- Important Information: It is advisable to check the event schedule in advance, as performances may restrict access.
- Admission Fee: Admission fees vary depending on the event; check the official website for current pricing.
- How Long to Visit: Visitors typically spend 1 to 2 hours exploring the site, depending on events.
- Parking: Parking is limited in the vicinity; visitors are encouraged to use public transportation.
- Family Friendly: The site is family-friendly, often hosting performances suitable for all ages.
- Photography: Photography is allowed, but flash and tripods may be restricted during performances.
- WIFI: Free Wi-Fi is not available on-site, so visitors are advised to have mobile data.
- Picnic Area: Picnicking is not allowed within the amphitheater grounds.
- Handicap Accessible: The venue is partially handicap accessible, with designated seating available.
- Pets: Pets are not permitted inside the venue.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are available, providing insights into the history and architecture of the amphitheater.
- Restaurant or Cafe: There is no restaurant or cafe directly on-site, but nearby options are available.
- Gift Shop: There is no gift shop on-site; however, souvenirs may be available at nearby vendors.
Photos of Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Carved into the southwestern slope of the Acropolis, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus offers an extraordinary blend of classical architecture and living performance. Built in 161 AD by the Athenian benefactor Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Regilla, its 25-meter-high stone wall and 32-row marble seating originally hosted music concerts and recitals. Restored in the 1950s, the Odeon now hosts the Athens Festival’s summer concerts and theater under the stars—providing a spellbinding setting where ancient stone meets modern artistry.
What to Expect
Approach via the Acropolis Museum’s exit plaza or descend the marble steps from Dionysiou Areopagitou Street. The theater’s broad orchestra and partial original stage wall frame the stone seating rising steeply back toward the rock. During festival season (May–October), experience world-class music, dance, and drama with a backdrop of illuminated columns and the Acropolis above. In the off-season, guided visits (outside performance hours) allow you to wander the arena, touch the carved stone seats, and imagine ancient Athenian audiences gathering for cultural spectacles.
Informational panels at the entrance describe the theater’s construction techniques, including the use of Pentelic marble and Roman concrete. Audio-guide kiosks provide context on Herodes Atticus’s life, the original wooden roof structure, and the site's transformation through Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
Background and Cultural Context
Commissioned by the sophist and magnate Herodes Atticus in 161 AD, the Odeon provided a covered venue for musical performances—unusual in Greek theaters. Its velum-style wooden roof sheltered audiences from sun and rain. After centuries of disuse and ruin, archaeological excavations in the 19th century identified its remains. A major 20th-century restoration by the Greek government and UNESCO revived the theater as a performance space, continuing Athens’s ancient tradition of arts patronage.
Today, the Odeon stands as an emblem of cultural continuity—hosting everything from classical tragedies and contemporary dance to jazz concerts and film screenings, while preserving its architectural integrity and storied past.
Best Time to Visit
Festival performances run May through October—prime nights begin around 9 PM after sunset, when the stage is lit dramatically. For quieter exploration, visit mornings (9–11 AM) outside performance dates to enjoy the architecture with minimal crowds. Spring (April–May) and early autumn (September) offer mild weather for evening concerts and daytime tours.
How to Get There
Access the Odeon via the Acropolis north exit or on foot from the Acropolis Metro station (Line 2)—a 10-minute walk down Dionysiou Areopagitou. Buses 230 and 040 stop on Syngrou Avenue; then follow signs uphill. Taxis can drop off at the Acropolis Museum forecourt. Seating is accessed by stone stairways; assisted-access ramps lead to lower rows near the orchestra.
Photo Opportunities
- Sunset light on the stage wall’s three surviving arches with the Acropolis lit above
- Wide shot of the marble seating tiers curving around the orchestra pit
- Close-up of fluted marble blocks and carved inscriptions on the wall
- Performers onstage bathed in warm stage lighting against ancient stone
- Nighttime panorama of the illuminated Odeon with the Parthenon glowing above
Travel Tips
- Book festival tickets well in advance—popular performances sell out quickly.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain to secure your seat and enjoy pre-show ambiance.
- Bring a light jacket—even summer evenings can be cool amid the stone seating.
- Use the Acropolis Museum restrooms and café before entering the theater—a brief walk back uphill is required.
- Combine with an Acropolis late-afternoon visit to ascend before the crowds and stay for an Odeon performance.
FAQs
Is there an admission fee?
Guided-visit admission is €10; festival performance tickets vary by event and seating zone.
Are guided tours available?
Yes—off-season guided tours depart daily at 11 AM and 3 PM; during the festival, no tours run but performance audio guides are available.
Is the theater accessible?
Lower rows near the orchestra are wheelchair-accessible via a ramp; most seating is reached by stone steps.
Can I attend a concert without Acropolis entry?
Yes—festival tickets include separate entrance to the Odeon; no Acropolis ticket is required on performance nights.
Final Thoughts
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus remains a living testament to Athens’s enduring love of the performing arts. Whether you’re swept away by a summer concert beneath ancient arches or tracing the weathered stones by daylight, this storied theater offers an immersive encounter with the cultural spirit of classical and modern Greece.