Ancient Theatres

Incredible ancient theatres are found all over Greece. Here interesting festivals take place during summer.

The famous Herod Atticus Odeon, widely known as “Herodeon”, dominates the western end on the south slope of the Acropolis. It was built between 160 and 174 BC by the immensely wealthy Athenian Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Regilla. The famous traveller and geographer Pausanias referred to the monument in great admiration when he visited Athens describing it as “the finest building of its type”. The restored Herodeon was a perfect home for the newly-founded Athens Festival in 1955. Over the years Herodeon has hosted almost all the leading representatives of Greek and international music, dance, opera and theatre. The romantic souls should not miss the opportunity to attend a concert overflowing with romance and inspiration under the August.

The Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus is a major open-air theatre and one of the earliest preserved in Athens. It was used for festivals in honor of the god Dionysus. 

The ancient theatre of Epidaurus is situated at the sacred sanctuary of the god-physician Asklepios in Argolis (Peloponnese) and it was the most famous healing centre of the Greek and Roman world. Today it forms an important archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage Monument. Over the years, the stage of the renowned ancient theatre has hosted the most significant Greek actors of the older and younger generation; its stage has become the ultimate proof of success and recognition for Greek artists. Ancient drama is a genre particularly honoured at the Theatre of Epidaurus but occasionally opera, dance and music performances are hosted in this sacred theatre.