In the Classical era the Theatre of Dionysus was where Attican drama was taught during the celebration of the Great Dionyssia, one of the major religious festivals of the city.

Believed to have been built under the descendants of the tyrant Peisistratus, it has seen many subsequent alterations and expansions, leaving its precise architectural evolution a mystery. Today’s remnants derive from the late Roman period of the theatre, with a few rows of benches remaining from its Classical period.

An effort is currently underway to restore the ancient theatre using original Corinthian stone fragments scattered throughout the site.