The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, known locally as the 'Herodeion', is a Roman-era stone theatre built around 161 AD by the wealthy Athenian magnate Herodes Atticus in memory of his late wife Regilla, set into the southwest slope of the Acropolis. It is celebrated for its towering three-storey stage façade and superb acoustics, and after its 1950s restoration it seated roughly 4,680 (close to its ancient capacity of about 5,000) and became the flagship venue of the summer Athens Epidaurus Festival. Note, however, that in 2026 it opened for a single month of 'farewell' performances in June and then closed for a multi-year programme of restoration and conservation, so as of July 2026 no performances or interior visits are possible. For now, the realistic way to experience it is to admire the exterior from the Acropolis walkways.
The iconic three-storey arched stone stage wall rising against the Acropolis cliff — the classic Herodeion view, best taken in from the paths above.
The semicircular marble auditorium carved into the hillside, restored to its ancient proportions of stage and seating.
The famed Roman-odeon acoustics, engineered so sound carries clearly across an open-air, roofless space.
The floodlit night view of the theatre with the Parthenon glowing above it — a favourite photo spot along the Dionysiou Areopagitou promenade.
The backstory of a monument built as a husband's memorial to his wife — a private act of mourning that became a lasting public gift to the city.
Good to know
RulesMost important: after a single month of farewell performances in June 2026, the Odeon entered a multi-year restoration and is closed to performances and interior entry as of July 2026. No reopening date is fixed, so always check the official festival site (aefestival.gr) and Acropolis site information for the current status before planning a visit or buying tickets.
RulesEven in normal years this is a working performance venue, not a daytime walk-in monument — you can only enter with a valid event ticket. When no show is on, you view it from above with an Acropolis site ticket or from the surrounding walkways.
MannersTo protect the ancient marble, heels are banned and violators are refused entry. During shows, photography and recording are prohibited, phones must be silenced, arrival 60 minutes before curtain is expected, and children under 6 are not admitted.
SeasonPerformances are summer evenings on hard marble seats that can turn cool after dark — bring a cushion and a light layer. If you come by day, prepare for intense summer sun and little shade with a hat, water and sunscreen.
SafetyThe Acropolis slopes and nearby promenades have polished, worn marble and stone steps that get slippery and steep — wear flat, grippy shoes and move slowly.
CautionBuy tickets only through official channels (aefestival.gr, more.com) or the on-site box office, where no service fee applies; avoid marked-up resale sites and touts, and guard your belongings against pickpockets on Metro Line 2 and in crowded areas like Syntagma and Plaka.
Practical info
Take Metro Line 2 (red) to 'Akropoli' station and approach via the pedestrian Dionysiou Areopagitou street; the exterior can be viewed from the Acropolis archaeological walkways. When performances resume, tickets are sold via the official aefestival.gr and more.com, by phone (+30 211 800 8181, weekdays 10:00-18:00) and at on-site box offices — but with the venue closed for 2026 restoration, always confirm opening status, prices and times against the latest official information.
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