Ancient theaters of Attica: the birthplace of drama!
True landmarks of our heritage, the ancient theaters of Attica, the broader region of Athens, have survived across centuries and are now proudly waiting to be discovered! Start your exploration downtown and plan your walk guided by the below list. Marvel at the unique edifices and their architecture. Choose this alternative way to traverse the land of Attica and immerse into its abundant culture.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus in the heart of the city
Broadly known as Herodion, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus lies on the slope of the Acropolis. Built in the 2nd cent. BC, this one-of-a-kind monument was sponsored by Tiberius Claudius Herod Atticus, in memory of his wife Regilla. As revealed by ancient writings, in its initial form, the theater boasted a wooden roof made of expensive cedar of Lebanon timber, whereas its interior walls were filled with fieldstones. Outlining a semicircle, the theater concave was carved into the rock.
With a capacity of 5,000 spectators, the theater was mostly used as a music venue. After its reconstruction in the 20th cent. AD during the 50s, this marvelous site is still used for large scale events, mostly powered by the Athens Epidaurus Festival. Maria Callas, Igor Stravinsky and Leonard Bernstein are some of the prominent stars who have stepped their foot on this magical stage.
Theater of Dionysus in Athens
While strolling around the archeological site of the Acropolis, visitors come across a small, still-standing part of the theater of Dionysus Eleuthereus. This exceptional monument comes with a tide of emotions since it’s the oldest theater of the world, inextricably linked with the birth and evolution of drama.
This is where the first iconic plays of the great tragic poets, such as Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides, were hosted. Pioneering in terms of design, the Theater introduced for the first time in 350 BC the circular terrace designed on a downward gradient, creating an architectural model for all theatrical venues ever since. Nowadays, it is an archeological site open to the public and does not host any events.
Archaeological Site of Amphiareion in Oropos
While at Amphiareion of Oropos, the biggest sanctuary of Amphiaraus, a god of the underground realm, visitors can admire the remains of the Ancient Theater of Amphiareion. Dating back to the 2nd cent. BC, the theater was located behind the great arcade of the sanctuary and hosted the Greater Amphiareia, an agonistic festival with the participation of scholars and actors from Greece, Italy and Asia Minor.
The theater had five marble honor thrones for priests and official guests, one of which is preserved to date. The proscenium is smartly decorated with eight semi-columns of doric order, whereas its architraves are embellished with triglyphs and metopes.
The site is open to the public from Monday to Friday, all year round. For more info on tickets, opening hours and free entrance days click here. It should be noted that since 2020, the ancient theater has been hosting some theatrical plays, fully attuned to its atmosphere.
Ancient Theater of Thorikos in Lavrion
Perched on a hill just before the north entrance of the city of Lavrion, this theater is easily accessible to the public, whereas its design is typical of the early greek theaters. Built towards the end of the Archaic Period, between 525 BC and 480 BC, its elliptical shape was completed with a rectangular orchestra, contrary to subsequent theaters featuring circular ones.
The base of an altar, a hall with carved benches used for the meetings of public officials and the foundation of a small temple dedicated to Dionysus remain standing at the east side of the orchestra.
Just 50 kilometers from the heart of Athens, plan an excursion to Lavrion, combined with an easy hike to the theater, open and free to the public. The theater occasionally hosts music events and theatrical plays, fully respecting the history and background of this masterpiece.
Telestirion at the archeological site of Eleusis
The Eleusinian Mysteries, the most important religious rites of Ancient Greece, were annually held at the town of Eleusis, lasted several days and were joined by thousands of participants. Their metaphysical character was woven around the search of Demeter’s daughter, Persephone, and her descent to the underworld, a symbolism for the transition from death to life, from dark to light.
Even today, there is still a lot to be explored about the rituals for the Mysteries’ insiders, giving that something extra to the magnificence and charm of the Archeological Site of Eleusis. Among others, its visitors may admire Telestirion, the main stage of the Eleusinian Mysteries. A vast space with 42 superimposed columns arranged to support a luxurious slatted ceiling was the meeting point for thousands of initiates. Nowadays, no shows are hosted there but it can be explored within the framework of a visit to the archeological site of Eleusis.
Plan your excursion to Eleusis, the 2023 European Capital of Culture and discover its ancient wealth. More info about tickets, opening hours and free entrance days is available here.
More ancient theaters are spread all over Attica. Their remains are still here to pass the glory of ancient years to the modern urban ambiance. To name a few, the ancient theater of Zea in Piraeus, next to the Archeological Museum of Piraeus and the Ancient Theater of Archarnes in the homonymous municipality.
Reach any of the above destinations and walk on the sacred land of Attica that gave birth to the ancient greek drama. Take a closer look to their architecture, which centuries later still stands out for its uniqueness. Close your eyes and fancy participating yourself in ancient events and mystic ceremonies. The roots of acting and theater, as known worldwide, go deep into the land of Attica, the broader region of Athens. The time to find out the architectural secrets and the culture magnitude of its ancient theaters is now!
