Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens, Greece

The stone theatre is located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis and was commissioned by Herodes Atticus as a gift to the city in the 2nd century. The theatre has a semi-circular cavea made from the marble taken from Mount Hymettos and is divided into two sectors by a pathway. Although the original structure was destroyed in the Erouloi invasion in 268 A.D., the site has been restored and rebuilt and has been used in the modern times for various performances. This Odeon has seen the likes of Frank Sinatra and Nana Mouskouri play here in this theatre that has borne witness to around 19 centuries of history. The theatre is paved with black and white marble and has a diameter of 80 meters and is the main venue for the Athens and Epidaurus Festival.

History Of Odeon Of Herodes Atticus

When the Odeon of Herodes Atticus was built, its original layout was destroyed within a span of one hundred years. It happened due to the invasion of the Erouloi in 268 AD. It was the time of Ottoman empire when the structure was in ruins and continued to be in the same position for a long period of time. Later in the year 1898, 1900 and 1922, little work on its restoration began and eventually rebuilding took place. While the site was still in ruins, it continued to be a historic structure. Odeon of Herodes Atticus, in its ruined state, was used as a venue for several entertainment performances and public events. One of the important events that was hosted during the German occupation between the years 1941-1944 at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus was organised by the Athens State Orchestra. During those years, performances by the then newly established Greek National Opera where the vibrant Maria Callas, well-known during that era for singing the lead for Beethoven and Kalomoiris were hosted here. It had been one of the most important sites for organising such performances in the historic times. 

In the year 1950, it was decided that the site would be completely reconstructed. Within a span of next five years, the venue was fully renewed with its grand opening at Athens and Epidaurus Festival. In the present time, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus still remains a popular venue for hosting some of the main festival. Enjoy a host of stellar performances such as the elegant ballets and arias, ancient Greek tragedies and so on. Make sure to buy yourself a ticket to enjoy one or all of these performances.