LEARN MORE
Odeon of Herodes Atticus: Athens’ Ancient Theater Still in Use Today
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world and one of the most remarkable monuments within the Acropolis archaeological site. Built nearly 2,000 years ago on the southwestern slope of the Acropolis, it continues to host concerts, operas, theatrical performances, and cultural events, making it one of the few ancient venues still serving its original purpose.
Commissioned in AD 161 by the wealthy Roman citizen Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, the Odeon once welcomed audiences for music and performances beneath a cedar wood roof. Today, visitors can admire its impressive stone seating, elegant Roman design, and spectacular setting beneath the Acropolis, alongside nearby landmarks such as the Theater of Dionysus, Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
On this page, you'll discover the history of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, its architecture, modern-day performances, and everything you need to know before visiting.
What Is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus?
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is an ancient Roman theater located on the southwestern slope of the Acropolis of Athens. Built in AD 161, it was designed as a venue for musical performances, poetry readings, and cultural events, accommodating thousands of spectators in an impressive stone amphitheater.
The theater was commissioned by the wealthy Roman statesman Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. Originally, it featured a magnificent cedar wood roof, making it one of the most elaborate performance venues of its time.
Today, the Odeon is one of the Acropolis' most recognizable monuments. Alongside the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, Propylaea, and the nearby Theater of Dionysus, it remains one of the highlights of a visit to the Acropolis archaeological site.
History of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was built in AD 161 during the Roman period by the Athenian benefactor Herodes Atticus. Rather than serving as a political or religious monument, it was created as a grand cultural venue where music, theatrical performances, and public events could be enjoyed by the people of Athens.
The theater was dedicated to the memory of Aspasia Annia Regilla, Herodes Atticus' wife, and quickly became one of the city's finest entertainment venues. Its steep marble seating, impressive stage building, and wooden roof reflected the wealth and ambition of its founder.
Like many ancient monuments, the Odeon suffered damage over the centuries and eventually fell into ruin. Extensive restoration work carried out in the 1950s transformed it into a functioning performance venue once again. Today, it hosts internationally renowned concerts and performances as part of the annual Athens Epidaurus Festival, allowing audiences to experience live events in one of the world's most extraordinary historic theaters.
→ Explore Acropolis Parthenon: History, Construction & Materials
INteresting informaiton
Why Is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus Famous?
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is famous for being one of the few ancient theaters in the world that still hosts live performances nearly 2,000 years after it was built. Its remarkable preservation, dramatic setting beneath the Acropolis, and exceptional acoustics continue to attract visitors from around the globe.
Unlike many ancient monuments that function only as archaeological sites, the Odeon remains an active cultural venue. During the annual Athens Epidaurus Festival, audiences gather here to enjoy concerts, operas, ballet performances, and theatrical productions in a truly historic setting.
The theater is also admired for its impressive Roman architecture. Its semi-circular marble seating, restored stage building, and panoramic views of the Acropolis make it one of the most photographed landmarks in Athens. For many visitors, seeing the Odeon from above while exploring the Acropolis is just as memorable as attending a performance inside it.
Top Odeon of Herodes Atticus Tickets & Tours
Most Popular Acropolis of Athens Ticket
Discover Athens' most iconic landmark, the Acropolis, home to the legendary Parthenon, with your Acropolis entry ticket. Explore this ancient site at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide.
Includes
- Admission to the Acropolis archaeological site
- Access to the Parthenon within the archeological site
- Digital guide
- More details
“Definitely worth doing the Atropolis. We could take our time to walk up and take in the sights and to be in awe of the mastery [...]” Alison, April 2026 [Source: Tiqets]
Most Preferred Acropolis Guided Tour
Spend your day discovering Athens’ most iconic landmarks - the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Theater of Dionysus, and more alongside an expert guide, as you immerse yourself in 2,500 years of history, mythology, and culture.
Includes
- Entry to the Acropolis & Parthenon
- English-speaking Guide
- Temple of Athena Nike, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Theatre of Dionysus & More
- Headsets
“Our tour guide was very informed and answered all of our questions. Also the group stuck together the entire trip and was well guided.” Matthew, Aug. 2025 [Source: Haedout]
Bestseller Acropolis Combo with Museum
Step into the heart of ancient Athens with a combined ticket for the Acropolis and its Museum—admire the Parthenon, discover its priceless treasures inside, and uncover the full story with a multilingual audio guide
Includes
- Entry to the Acropolis archeological site
- Acess to the Parthenon
- Entry ticket to the Acropolis Museum
- Audio guide and more
“Having both the Acropolis and the museum tickets together made the day much easier. The museum helped us understand what we saw on the hill.” Sophie, June 2026 [Source: MegaPass]
Bestseller Acropolis Combo Ticket
Step into the heart of ancient Athens with a combined ticket for the Acropolis and its Museum—admire the Parthenon, discover its priceless treasures inside, and uncover the full story with an audio guide or expert-led tour, all in just 3 to 4 hours.
Includes
- Single Entry to the Acropolis site
- Audio guide for the Acropolis & Athens Old Town (Plaka)
- Duration 2 hours - 1 day
- More
“Excellent! We thorough enjoyed visiting all the sites on the pass and the audioguide included.” Shirel, UK, Sep 2025 [Source: GetYourGuide]
Best Value Athens Sightseeing Combo
Experience the best of Athens with a convenient combo that combines entry to the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon with unlimited hop-on hop-off bus access. Explore the city's ancient wonders, then discover Athens, Piraeus, Glyfada, and Vouliagmeni at your own pace with panoramic open-top bus views and multilingual audio commentary.
Includes
- Entry to the Acropolis archaeological site
- Access to the Parthenon
- Acropolis audio guide
- Blue Hop-On Hop-Off Bus ticket (1 day + 1 complimentary day)
- Unlimited access to 4 bus routes: Athens, Piraeus, Glyfada & Vouliagmeni
- Multilingual onboard audio commentary
“We liked the flexibility. After seeing museum tickets together made the day much easier. The museum helped us understand what we saw on the hill." Natalie., June 2026 [Source: MegaPass]
Bestseller Acropolis Museum Entry Ticket
Skip the lines at the Acropolis Museum in Athens and explore the wonders of ancient Greece up close, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Acropolis through the museum’s stunning glass walls.
Includes
- Skip-the-line Entry Ticket
- Access to the permanent collection
- Access to the temporary exhibitions
- Access to the excavation site under the venue
- Audio guide
- Map
“Great experience. The museum was very nice and we got to learn a lot about the culture of Greece.” Miguel, Sep. 2025 [Source: Tiqets]
Top-Value City Pass for Athens
The smartest way to discover Athens! With the Athens City Pass, skip the hassle and enjoy easy access to the city’s top highlights. Explore the Acropolis & Parthenon, ride the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, use handy audio guides, and more; all included at no extra cost for the complete Athens experience!
Includes
- City Pass
- 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- 3 GB Internet Data
- Audio Guide
- Free Cancellation
- More
“It was very useful package for athens. Really worth it! Customer service is also very helpful. Thank you.” Zeynep [Source: MegaPass]
Can You Attend a Performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus?
Yes. Unlike most ancient theaters, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is still used for concerts and cultural events throughout the year. Many of the performances take place during the Athens Epidaurus Festival, one of Greece's most prestigious cultural festivals, which runs from late spring through early autumn.
Tickets for performances are sold separately from standard Acropolis admission, and availability depends on the event schedule. If you're visiting Athens during the festival season, attending a concert at the Odeon is one of the city's most unforgettable cultural experiences.
Even if you're not attending a performance, you'll still be able to admire the theater while exploring the Acropolis archaeological site. The elevated viewpoints around the Acropolis provide excellent opportunities to appreciate its impressive design and historic setting.
Architectural Highlights of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is one of the finest examples of Roman theater architecture in Greece. Although parts of the original structure have been restored, many of its defining features still reflect the grandeur of the 2nd century AD.
Marble Seating
The theater's semi-circular seating area, known as the cavea, rises steeply up the hillside and could originally accommodate around 5,000 spectators. The marble seats provided excellent sightlines and acoustics, allowing audiences to enjoy performances from nearly every position.
Impressive Stage Building
Behind the performance area stands the restored stage façade, which once reached several stories in height. Decorated with columns, niches, and sculptures, it created a dramatic backdrop for theatrical productions and musical performances.
Natural Acoustics
Like many ancient theaters, the Odeon was carefully designed to enhance sound. Its curved seating arrangement and hillside location help project voices and music throughout the venue, making it an exceptional place for live performances even today.
The Cedar Wood Roof
One of the Odeon's most remarkable features was its massive cedar wood roof, which originally covered the audience without internal supporting columns. Although the roof no longer survives, it was considered an extraordinary engineering achievement for its time.
A Dramatic Setting
Built into the southwestern slope of the Acropolis, the theater blends naturally with the surrounding landscape. Its location beneath the Parthenon creates one of Athens' most iconic views and makes the Odeon a favorite stop for visitors exploring the Acropolis archaeological site.
→ Explore the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and discover how this ancient theater continues to host world-class performances today.
Frequently asked questions about the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Do you need tickets for the Odeon of Herodes Atticus?
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is located within the Acropolis archaeological site, so you don't need a separate ticket to see it during your visit. Admission is included with a standard Acropolis ticket. However, if you wish to attend a concert or cultural event at the Odeon, you'll need to purchase a separate performance ticket.
What performances take place at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus?
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus hosts a variety of cultural events, including concerts, operas, ballet performances, theatrical productions, and orchestral concerts. Many of these take place during the annual Athens Epidaurus Festival, which attracts internationally renowned artists and performers each year.
How many people does the Odeon of Herodes Atticus hold?
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus originally accommodated around 5,000 spectators, and its restored seating capacity remains similar today. Despite being nearly 2,000 years old, the theater continues to welcome thousands of visitors for performances throughout the festival season.
What are the best seats at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus?
The best seats at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus depend on the type of performance. Seats in the central lower rows provide the closest view of the stage, while the middle and upper sections offer excellent panoramic views of both the performance and the illuminated Acropolis. Thanks to the theater's impressive acoustics, sound quality is excellent throughout the venue.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Many Acropolis guided tours include the Odeon of Herodes Atticus as part of their itinerary. Although visitors generally admire the theater from designated viewpoints during daytime tours, expert guides explain its Roman history, architecture, and its continued role as one of Athens' premier performance venues.
Can I visit the Odeon during the day, or is it only open for performances?
Yes, you can see the Odeon of Herodes Atticus during the day as part of your visit to the Acropolis archaeological site. While access to the seating area is generally restricted outside of scheduled events, visitors can enjoy excellent views of the theater from nearby pathways and viewpoints. Full access to the venue is typically reserved for ticket holders attending performances.
This is not the official venue's website. This website is giving you only an overview of the available ticket options.
Copyright 2026, Most Amazing Places, all rights reserved.