Heritage & monuments
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Overview
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is an ancient open-air theater located at the southwestern foot of the Acropolis. Built during the Roman era, the structure features a semi-circular marble auditorium and a three-story stone stage wall. It remains in active use, hosting live music concerts, classical theatrical productions, and festivals.
Getting There
From central Athens, such as Syntagma Square or Monastiraki, the site is reachable on foot in roughly 15 to 20 minutes via the pedestrian street Dionysiou Areopagitou. The nearest subway stop is the Acropoli metro station (Line 2), which is approximately a 10-minute walk from the theater.
Time to Allow
Plan for 30 to 45 minutes to view the architecture and take photos from the pedestrian pathways above. If you are attending an evening performance, allow 2 to 3 hours for arrival, seating, and the show.
When to Visit
The area offers little shade and gets crowded from late morning through mid-afternoon, especially during peak travel months between May and October. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon helps avoid the heat and the largest tour groups. Access inside the seating area itself is typically restricted to ticket holders during scheduled evening events.
Nearby Attractions
You can easily combine your visit with other ancient landmarks situated on the same hill:
- Temple of Athena Nike (0.1km)
- Brauroneion (0.1km)
- Propylaea of Athens (0.1km)
- Acropolis of Athens (0.2km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors