Theater of Dionysus, Athens (must see)
Perched on the southern slopes of the Acropolis, the Theatre of Dionysos holds immense cultural and historical importance as the birthplace of and a central venue for Greek drama.
The location was deliberately chosen near the temple of Dionysus, the god of wine and patron of drama. During the 5th century BC, the ancient Greeks held an annual festival in honor of the god Dionysus. The central events of the festival were the theatrical performances of dramatic tragedies and comedies.
The Dionysus Festival typically spanned about five to six days. Theatrical competitions were held during the festival, and winning the competitions was highly esteemed. Winners received both public honors and cash prizes. It was during these annual Dionysia festivals that renowned Greek playwrights, such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, saw their works staged here as part of theatrical contests.
The ruins visible today are partly remnants of a much larger structure built by the Romans, capable of seating up to 17,000. The Romans used it as a gladiatorial arena, for which purpose, a marble balustrade with metal railings was added for spectators' safety.
Also of note is a cave above the theater dedicated to the goddess Artemis. In the Byzantine era, this cave was transformed into a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Cave and served as a place where mothers brought their ailing children.
Today, the Theater of Dionysus serves as a symbol of Athens's enduring legacy in the arts and theatre. Sitting in one of its stone seats is a great way to appreciate this historically significant theater in the Western world.
The location was deliberately chosen near the temple of Dionysus, the god of wine and patron of drama. During the 5th century BC, the ancient Greeks held an annual festival in honor of the god Dionysus. The central events of the festival were the theatrical performances of dramatic tragedies and comedies.
The Dionysus Festival typically spanned about five to six days. Theatrical competitions were held during the festival, and winning the competitions was highly esteemed. Winners received both public honors and cash prizes. It was during these annual Dionysia festivals that renowned Greek playwrights, such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, saw their works staged here as part of theatrical contests.
The ruins visible today are partly remnants of a much larger structure built by the Romans, capable of seating up to 17,000. The Romans used it as a gladiatorial arena, for which purpose, a marble balustrade with metal railings was added for spectators' safety.
Also of note is a cave above the theater dedicated to the goddess Artemis. In the Byzantine era, this cave was transformed into a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Cave and served as a place where mothers brought their ailing children.
Today, the Theater of Dionysus serves as a symbol of Athens's enduring legacy in the arts and theatre. Sitting in one of its stone seats is a great way to appreciate this historically significant theater in the Western world.
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.
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Theater of Dionysus on Map
Sight Name: Theater of Dionysus
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.
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
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
Plaka Attractions Walking Tour
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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
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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 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
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
A Self-Guided Food Walk in Athens
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