The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a landmark ancient theater nestled on the southern slope of the Acropolis, has closed to the public for restoration works expected to span three years, the Greek Ministry of Culture announced.
Commissioned in the 2nd century A.D. by Tiberius Claudius Herodes Atticus, a wealthy Athenian benefactor, the stone amphitheater originally featured a roof and seats approximately 5,000 spectators.
Rediscovered in the 19th century and restored with marble in the 1950s, the open-air venue has since become a centerpiece of the annual Athens Festival, hosting concerts and theatrical performances for over seven decades.
The restoration aims to preserve the structure’s integrity and enhance its long-term use as a cultural venue.