Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens
This stone amphitheater, nestled at the base of the Acropolis, ranks among Athens' most sizable and best-preserved classical Greek theatrical venues. Constructed in 161 AD by the wealthy Greek aristocrat and Roman consul Herodes Atticus, it was meant as a memorial to his wife.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, often simply referred to as the Herodeion, was primarily used as a venue for musical and dramatic performances. The theater was equipped to accommodate orchestral and vocal performances. This included both solo and group performances, ranging from choral works to instrumental music.
The Odeon was also used for theatrical performances, which were an integral part of ancient Greek culture. These performances included tragedies, comedies, and other dramatic works, reflecting the rich tradition of Greek drama. In addition to its use for performances, the Herodeion was a venue for public events and ceremonies, contributing to its role as a central cultural hub in ancient Athens.
Originally, the orchestra area was covered by a cedar roof. The spectators' seats were likely open to the sky, as there are no remnants of supports for an extended roof here.
Today, it continues to serve as a vibrant venue for a variety of cultural events, including performances of classical music, drama, and modern productions. Attending a concert here on a balmy summer evening, with the moon overhead, is a great way to experience firsthand the magnificence of ancient Greek architecture at its peak!
Tips:
International acts are frequent, so check the program ahead of your trip to Athens. Of course, securing tickets in advance is contingent on favorable weather conditions for an open-air concert.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, often simply referred to as the Herodeion, was primarily used as a venue for musical and dramatic performances. The theater was equipped to accommodate orchestral and vocal performances. This included both solo and group performances, ranging from choral works to instrumental music.
The Odeon was also used for theatrical performances, which were an integral part of ancient Greek culture. These performances included tragedies, comedies, and other dramatic works, reflecting the rich tradition of Greek drama. In addition to its use for performances, the Herodeion was a venue for public events and ceremonies, contributing to its role as a central cultural hub in ancient Athens.
Originally, the orchestra area was covered by a cedar roof. The spectators' seats were likely open to the sky, as there are no remnants of supports for an extended roof here.
Today, it continues to serve as a vibrant venue for a variety of cultural events, including performances of classical music, drama, and modern productions. Attending a concert here on a balmy summer evening, with the moon overhead, is a great way to experience firsthand the magnificence of ancient Greek architecture at its peak!
Tips:
International acts are frequent, so check the program ahead of your trip to Athens. Of course, securing tickets in advance is contingent on favorable weather conditions for an open-air concert.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Athens. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Odeon of Herodes Atticus on Map
Sight Name: Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Sight Location: Athens, Greece (See walking tours in Athens)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Athens, Greece (See walking tours in Athens)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Athens, Greece
Create Your Own Walk in Athens
Creating your own self-guided walk in Athens is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Walking Around the National Garden
The National Garden is an impressive, historic park in the center of Athens, complete with artificial streams and duck ponds. Formerly known as the Royal Garden, it was commissioned by King Otto鈥檚 queen, Amalia, in 1838, reason why it is located directly behind the Old Palace (currently the Greek Parliament building). Not only is it a welcome refuge from the swirl of traffic just outside the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Athens Introduction Walking Tour
Athens, the cradle of Western Civilization and one of Europe's oldest cities, originated between the 4th and the 3rd millennia BC. The story of Athens stems from a mythological contest between the goddess of wisdom and warfare, Athena, and the god of the sea, Poseidon. Both deities vied to become the city's patron. Poseidon's gift of a saltwater spring was deemed impractical,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Plaka Attractions Walking Tour
In the shadow of the Acropolis stands Plaka, the most picturesque and oldest district of Athens, with continuous habitation from antiquity until today. The 鈥渘eighborhood of the Gods鈥�, as it is called, is like a romantic, atmospheric trip to old Athens adorned with antiquities, historic 19th-century buildings, museums and Byzantine churches.
From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
From the vibrant Syntagma Square walking down... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Athens Food Walking Tour
Traditional Greek cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world, and prices in all but the flashiest establishments afford excellent value. The prevalence of vegetable and dairy dishes makes eating out a delight for non-meat eaters. Carefully selected appetizers (tzatz铆ki, dolm谩des, kalamar谩kia) can constitute a full meal. Greece鈥檚 most famous slow-cooked oven dish, however, is probably... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Walking Tour Around the Legendary Acropolis
Also called "the sacred rock", the Acropolis was home to temples and sanctuaries throughout recorded history, and is a symbol of the city of Athens. Its religious importance was paramount to the ancient Greeks, and the buildings on the summit still capture the essence of their classical architecture. You can see the temples from most parts of the city, which adds to the feeling that this... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
A Self-Guided Food Walk in Athens
Just as many things in Greece, dining in Athens is very much laid-back with the majority of local eateries seeing patrons begin to congregate for dinner only after 8 pm. Eating-wise, the Athenians favor simplicity, leaning to the more casual and not so pricey tavernas where food is plentiful. To...
Souvenirs Shopping: 19 Uniquely Greek Products to Bring from Athens
A cradle of European civilization, Greece, in general, and Athens, in particular, have long been - from the days of the Roman Empire up until present - the lure for travelers and history buffs seeking to find and bring home something memorable. Today's Athens (much as its ancient self) offers a...
15 Best Cafes in Athens
While in Athens it is immediately noticeable that the local cafe culture thriving. Through this directory you will get a chance to visit very different establishments, ranging from "kafenia", to hip, modern coffee shops and get first hand experience of the diversity of contemporary Greek...