Odeion of Herodes Atticus, Athens

The large complex of buildings on the south side of the Acropolis extends from the Theater of Dionysios at the east end by way of the Stoa of Eumenes to the youngest of the three structures, the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, at the west end.

This is named after Herodes Atticus of Marathon (101-177), who built it in memory of his wife Regilla in A.D. 161.

Its proximity to the Theater of Dionysos provides a convenient demonstration of the difference between the Greek and Roman methods of theater construction.

Odeion of Herodes Atticus Map

Important Information:

Opening hours: Jul 1 to Mar 31: 8am-7pm
Nov 1 to Mar 31: 8:30am-3pm; Closed: Mon

Entrance fee: FREE

Transit: Bus: 230 (Dionisiou Areopagitu).

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Roman Theater

The principles of Roman theater construction were quite different from the Greek, as is exemplified in the Odeion of Herodes Atticus. The auditorium (cavea) was exactly semicircular, the side entrances were vaulted over, and the stage, which in the later period was increased in height, was backed by an elaborate stage wall (scenae frons) of several tiers. It was lavishly decked with columns and statues, which rose to the same height as the top rows of seats or the enclosure wall of the auditorium. The auditorium and the stage thus formed an architectural unity, and the theater became a totally enclosed space. The theater was open to the sky, but an odeion (odeon), intended for musical performances, would be roofed.

The 32 steeply raked rows of seating in the Odeion of Herodes Atticus (recently restored with a facing of white marble) could accommodate an audience of 5,000.

The structure, which was incorporated in the defenses of the medieval castle, is in such an excellent state of preservation that it is used during the Athens Festival every summer for dramatic performances and concerts by leading Greek and European artistes.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus - Greek theater

The Greek theater fitted its auditorium into a natural hollow, and the rows of seating extended round more than a semicircle. The orchestra was originally exactly circular, as at Epidauros, and the low stage structure (skene) lay close to it on one side, only loosely connected with it. Between the auditorium and the stage were open passages for the entrance of the choir (parodoi).