Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Herod Atticus Odeon

George Papapostolou photographer / Getty Images

Key Info

Details

Monuments and Memorials, Sightseeing Type
1 to 2 hours Time to Spend

4.4

Overall

Scorecard

Value

4.0
Facilities

4.0
Atmosphere

5.0

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Situated on the south slope of the Acropolis, the Herod Atticus Odeon was named after Tiberius Claudius Herod Atticus, a wealthy Athenian who sponsored the building of this ancient outdoor auditorium between A.D. 160 and 174. Historically, the venue hosted a variety of music festivals, but today, the locale serves as the site for many theater, music and art festivals, including the Athens & Epidaurus Festival.

Though some previous visitors said this attraction isn't as impressive as others found in the Acropolis complex, many highly recommended attending one of the venue's summer performances. If you do attend a show here, plan on wearing comfortable walking shoes, since steps at the Herod Atticus Odeon are steep. You can also visit during nonevent days, so long as you purchase an Acropolis ticket, which is generally cheaper than event tickets at 20 to 30 euros ($22 to $32.50) per person.

The Herod Atticus Odeon is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with extended hours for select events. Facilities like restrooms and food and beverage concessions are not available inside, but you can use the Acropolis' amenities when visiting during normal operating hours. Limited on-site parking is offered for a fee, but the easiest and most cost-effective way to reach the venue is by public transportation. Several bus stops, as well as four metro stations (Acropoli, Sygrou - Fix, Monastiraki and Thissio) sit within walking distance. Visit the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports' ODYSSEUS website to learn more about the history of the Herod Atticus Odeon.

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