Herod Atticus Odeon
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Why go
- The 28-metre stage wall, with two of its original three levels still standing
- The semicircular seating bowl, 76–81 metres across, with 32 rows in two tiers
Interesting facts3
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50 metres
The original audience roof spanned almost 50 metres, the largest known roof structure of antiquity.
Odeon des Herodes Atticus - Wikipedia -
The theatre used Roman design, enclosing the orchestra between the seating and stage building.
Odeon des Herodes Atticus - Wikipedia -
1.2 metres
A passage 1.2 metres wide divides the 32 seating rows into two levels.
Odéon d'Hérode Atticus - Wikipedia
Shorts
History
Herodes Atticus built the Odeon as a gift to Athens in memory of Regilla. The Heruli destroyed its roof during their sack of the city, and the ruins later became part of Athens’ fortifications. Excavations began in the 19th century. Restoration in the 1950s prepared the theatre for performances, and it became a central venue for the Athens Festival.
- 161Herodes Atticus gave the theatre to Athens in memory of his wife, Regilla.
- 267The Heruli sacked the theatre and destroyed its roof.
- 11th c.The ruins became part of the Rizókastro fortification.
- 1849Organized archaeological excavations began.
- 1950sThe seating and exterior were restored, allowing the theatre to host more spectators.
Show all
- 1955The Athens Festival began, establishing the Odeon as a central performance venue.
- 1962Frank Sinatra gave two benefit concerts at the theatre.
Best time to visit
- The Athens Festival presents Greek and international performances here from May through October.
Know before you go
- Following the 2026 festival, the theatre is scheduled to close for at least three years of restoration.
Don't miss
- Stage wallTwo of its original three levels survive, reaching 28 metres high.At the stage
- OrchestraThe marble-paved orchestra measures 19 metres across.Between the seating and stage building
- Headless statueA headless statue of a man wearing a cloak is preserved inside.Inside the theatre
Sources: Odeon of Herodes Atticus - Wikipedia · Odéon d'Hérode Atticus - Wikipedia · Odeon des Herodes Atticus - Wikipedia · Ωδείο Ηρώδου του Αττικού - Wikipedia · checked 28 Oct 2026
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