On the South-West slope of the Acropolis, just few meters from the theatre of Dionysos was built in 161 B.C. the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
There is a Stoa (=Portico) called "Stoa of Eumenes" which joined the theatre to the Odeon. This Stoa which had an outer Doric colonnade with 64 columns was built by Eumenes II , the king of Pergamon (197-159 BC). It was used as a shelter and promenade for the spectators. The Portico communicated with the Odeon by two doors.
The Odeon was built by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Amnia Rhegilla in 161 BC and served for musical festivals. Herodes Atticus was an aristocrat benefactor . He was also a philosopher and orator.
In the ancient years this magnificent concert-hall was covered with a roof which was supported by huge beams made by the very expensive Lebanese cedar.
The massive facade stands to the second story and in places to the third. Entrance is made to either side, leading to the parodoi. The wall of the stage has three doors and eight niches where they had statues.
The diameter of the semi-circular cavea, in Greek "koilon" is 86 m. It was hewn out of the rock and it is divided into two sectors (diazoma). Each diazoma had 32 rows of seats. The orchestra is paved with marble. The length of the scene ("skini" ) is 35 m. and it is one meter higher from the orchestra. The seating capacity is about 6.000 spectators.
The destruction of the theatre was done in 267 AD by the Eruls. As the seating was entirely destroyed it was restored in 1950-961 in Pentelic marble.
Nowadays the Odeon hosts the Athens Festival which runs every Summer from May through October. The Festival contains Greek and International performances.
Among the artists who have performed in the Odeon were Maria Callas, Frank Sinatra, Nana Mouskouri, Pavarotti, the Bolshoi Ballets, Maurice Bejart, Liza Minelli, Diana Ross and many others.
Under the Acropolis and under the stars the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a unique place to experience a theatre performance.
written by: Sophia Kokkinou , archaeologist, guide, writer
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