On the southern slope of the Acropolis is the ancient stone theater, known as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Herodion). It was built in 161 AD Athenian magnate Herodes Atticus in honor of his late wife Regilla.

Initially, it was an amphitheater with a steep slope and a three-story stone front wall, the roof was made of expensive wood cedar of Lebanon. The building is very well preserved to the present day, except for the statues in the niches and colored marble facing. Odeon was used for music concerts and accommodates 5,000 spectators. In 1950 the theater was reconstructed, was used for the cladding of white Pentelic marble. Odeon today impresses with its excellent acoustics.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus - venue of the Athens Festival, which is held annually from May to October. At this stage were a huge number of well-known Greek and international celebrities such as Maria Callas, Maurice Bejart, Mikis Theodorakis, Placido Domingo, the Bolshoi Ballet, Manos Hadzidakis, George Dalaras, Marinella and many other famous artists and organizations. In 1973 there was a contest of Miss Universe. In May 1996, Sting performed at the scene with his new album «Mercury Falling». And in 2000, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus host to the legendary Elton John. In September 2010, the famous Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli gave a charity concert here, the purpose of which was to raise funds for cancer research. The concert was attended by the current Prime Minister George Papandreou and Athens Archbishop Jerome II.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus is not only a historical monument, but also the main current scene of Athens. So get to it only during concerts and performances by buying a ticket. But enjoy the beautiful and ancient buildings can be from the top of the Acropolis.