The Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Irodion), also known as Irodion, is located on the southern slope of the Acropolis, right at the entrance to the archaeological complex of the Acropolis of Athens. It is not just an ancient monument, but a theatrical space where music has been heard and theatrical performances have continued for almost two millennia. Unlike many ancient structures that can only be viewed, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a functioning stage, one of the main theatrical venues in the world, where concerts and performances still take place today.
The Odeon has the classical form of an ancient theater with 5,000 seats, in which almost everything from the time of its construction has been preserved to this day, except for the statues in the niches and the multicolored marble cladding. Entry is only possible during concerts and performances, by purchasing a ticket.
History of Creation: A Monument to Eternal Love
The Odeon was built in 161 AD by the wealthy Athenian, philosopher, and statesman Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Aspasia Annia Regilla, who died in 160 AD. Legend has it that grief-stricken Herodes Atticus erected this magnificent theater in honor of his deceased wife, transforming personal tragedy into a gift to the entire city.
Herodes Atticus came from one of the noblest families in Athens, received an excellent education, and was a tutor to the future Roman emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. His generosity towards Athens knew no bounds: he financed the construction of the Panathenaic Stadium, rebuilt the Nymphaeum in Olympia, and erected many other public buildings. But his most famous gift was the Odeon — a theater gifted to the Athenian people.
In antiquity, the building also bore the name Regilleion in honor of Herodes` wife. It was not just a theater, but an ode to love, carved in stone and marble.
Architecture of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon was a classical ancient Greek theater, but with one important feature: unlike ordinary theaters, it was roofed. The roof, made of precious Lebanese cedar, not only gave the building a luxurious appearance but also provided the unique acoustics necessary for musical performances.
The theater had three tiers and was built of stone and multicolored marble. The façade of the building was adorned with niches containing statues, and the interior decoration amazed with its richness of finish. The seating rows rose in a steep amphitheater, accommodating up to 5,000 spectators. The diameter of the semicircular theater was 38 meters, and the acoustics were designed so that even in the top rows, any sound from the stage could be heard.
Uniqueness of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
In the ancient world, odeons were a special type of building — roofed concert halls intended for musical competitions and performances. Unlike huge open-air theaters, odeons were smaller in size and necessarily had a roof to improve acoustics. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was considered the largest and most magnificent odeon in the ancient world — its longest diameter reached about 86 meters.
Destruction and Decline
In 267 AD, Athens was invaded by the Germanic tribe of the Heruli. The barbarians looted and burned the city, and the Odeon, whose roof was wooden, burned to the ground. After this, the building fell into ruins and remained derelict for almost 1,700 years.
In subsequent centuries, the stone of the Odeon was used for other buildings, the statues were lost, and the multicolored marble cladding disappeared. However, the building`s framework itself — the stone walls and seating rows — survived, waiting for its time.
Revival of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in the 20th Century
In the 1950s, the Greek government undertook a large-scale restoration of the Odeon. The seating rows and orchestra were restored using Pentelic marble — the same marble from which the Parthenon was built.
At the same time, it was decided not to restore the burnt wooden roof — since then, the Odeon has existed as an open-air theater. The present-day appearance of the Odeon is a harmonious combination of ancient ruins and modern restoration, where ancient stone meets marble steps of the 20th century.
Since its restoration, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus has become the main stage venue of the Athens Festival, which takes place in the Greek capital from June to September. Every year, dozens of concerts, opera and theater performances take place here, featuring both Greek and international artists.
Legendary Performances
The greatest musicians and performers of the 20th and 21st centuries have appeared on the stage of the Odeon. In 1957, the legendary Maria Callas performed as part of the Athens Festival. In 1962, Frank Sinatra gave two charity concerts for the city of Athens. In 1973, the Miss Universe 1973 competition was held here. In 1984, Greek singer Nana Mouskouri performed after a 20-year absence from her homeland. In 1991 and 2004, Luciano Pavarotti sang at the Odeon twice.
In 1993, the world premiere of Vangelis`s "Mythodea" took place, as well as the famous performance of Yanni, "Live at the Acropolis." In 1996, Sting performed as part of the Mercury Falling tour. In 2000, Elton John gave two concerts at the Odeon. In 2010, Andrea Bocelli gave a concert in support of cancer research.
Among other stars who have performed on the Irodion stage: Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, Montserrat Caballé, the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra, Maurice Béjart, Paco de Lucía, Diana Ross, Liza Minnelli, Jean-Michel Jarre, Ennio Morricone, the band Jethro Tull, and many others.
Future of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus: A Pause Before Renewal
In June 2026, the Odeon is expected to close temporarily for restoration, which will last several years. Before the theater is "sealed off and falls silent for several years," farewell celebrations with a rich program will take place here. The program for June 2026 includes performances by Icelandic pianist Víkingur Ólafsson, a special screening of the film "Blade Runner" with live musical accompaniment, concerts by Greek composers, and much more.
Practical Information for Tourists
Unlike other ancient attractions in Athens, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus cannot be freely viewed from the inside. Entry is only possible during concerts or performances, by purchasing a ticket. However, you can see the theater in several ways.
From above, from the Acropolis, an excellent view of the Odeon opens up from the southern slope of the sacred rock. You can approach the theater closely from the outside, examining its three-tiered façade. In front of the theater, there is a viewing area from which the entire structure is visible.
Tickets for Concerts
Tickets for performances at the Odeon can be purchased on the official website of the Athens & Epidaurus Festival. Prices vary depending on the event. The season typically runs from June to September.
Useful Tips
If you want to attend a concert, book your tickets in advance — they often sell out several months before the event. Keep in mind that the theater is open-air — it can get cool in the evening, even in summer. It is better to photograph the theater in the morning hours, when the sun illuminates its façade. The nearest metro station is "Acropolis," from which it is a 5-minute walk to the entrance of the archaeological zone.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a unique monument, combining ancient history and modern cultural life. Unlike most ancient structures that we can only look at, the Irodion remains a living, breathing theatrical space. Here, on steps carved from marble nearly two thousand years ago, the voices of great musicians continue to resound, and theatrical performance has not been interrupted for centuries.
