The Herodeion

No trip to Athens is complete without a trip to the Herodeion Theatre located at the heart of the culture center right under the Acropolis on Dionysiou Areopagitou Pedestrian Street. Also known as the Odeon of Herodus Atticus in Athens, The Herodeion is considered the first example of a complex of buildings dedicated to performances of the arts. The Roman philosopher, teacher and Politian Herodes Atticus built the theater in about 161 AD. The splendid, semi-circular amphitheater was dedicated to the memory of Herodes Atticus’ wife, Aspasia Regilla who died in 160 AD.

The 1,250-foot radius of the amphitheater originally seated more than 6,000 people. Various marbles and ceramic pieces decorated the original three-story wall of the stage. Marble adorned the enormous seating area; overhead, a wooden roof of cedar kept the elements out.

A renovation took place in 1950. Today, the Herodeion is the home of the Athens Art Festival, musical concerts, and classical tragedies. All this under the night sky and with exquisite acoustic experience built into the structure over two thousand years ago. So if you visit Athens in the summer, don’t miss out on a fabulous experience of Greek comedy and tragedy. Meanwhile, while you plan your sojourn to beautiful Athens, drop by Ziziki’s Dallas Restaurants for an authentic Greek dining experience - and the perfect flavor for your itinerary.