The Odeon of Herod Atticus (Herodes Atticus) is a stone theater located on the south slope of the Acropolis of Athens and its facade runs along the Dionyssios Areopagites Street. The Odeon, standing out for its impressive façade, was built by Herodes Atticus in the memory of his dead wife, had a capacity of 5000 people and was inaugurated in 161 AD. It was equipped with a wooden roof; this way, it was not an open-air theater, as it is today. The theater was destroyed one century later.
The audience stands and the 'orchestra' (stage) were restored using marble in the 1950s. Since then it has been hosting the theatrical, musical, and dance performances of the Athens Festival, which runs from June through September each year.
Below, besides some photos of the Odeon, we also present you with some photos taken during a music concert; our aim is to convey the magical atmosphere created by the imposing presence of the Parthenon right above the theater.
(Photos by Michael Tziotis)
The Herod Atticus Odeon
Under the Acropolis Rock; photo taken from the Philopappos Hill |
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The Herod Atticus Odeon
Under the Acropolis Rock; photo taken from the Philopappos Hill |
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The Herod Atticus Odeon
Under the Acropolis Rock; photo taken from the Philopappos Hill |
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The Herod Atticus Odeon
Under the Acropolis Rock; photo taken from the Philopappos Hill |
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Athens Herodeon (Herod Atticus) Theater and Parthenon in the Background |
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The Herod Atticus Odeon
Under the Acropolis Rock; photo taken from the Acropolis |
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The Herod Atticus Odeon
Under the Acropolis Rock; photo taken from the Odeon entrance |
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The Herod Atticus Odeon
Photo taken from the Odeon entrance |
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The Herod Atticus Odeon |
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The Herod Atticus Odeon |
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The Herod Atticus Odeon |
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The Herod Atticus Odeon: Inside the Theater |
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The Herod Atticus Odeon: Inside the Theater
People getting their seats for some concert |
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The Herod Atticus Odeon: Inside the Theater
The musicians taking their seats |
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The Herod Atticus Odeon: Inside the Theater
The musicians preparing themselves for the concert |
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The Herod Atticus Odeon: Inside the Theater
The musicians taking their seats |
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The Herod Atticus Odeon: Inside the Theater
During the concert |
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The Herod Atticus Odeon: Inside the Theater
During the concert |
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Athens Odeon of Herod Atticus |
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