Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus—or, as locals call it, the Herodeion. This name sounds like it belongs to an ancient superhero, but in reality, it’s a grand stone amphitheater sitting snug at the foot of the Acropolis. Built in 161 AD by a Greek aristocrat with a Roman title, Herodes Atticus, this wasn’t just any vanity project—it was a love letter to his late wife. And what better way to say “I miss you” than with a massive, acoustically perfect concert hall?

Originally, the Herodeion played host to the finest musical and theatrical performances of the ancient world—think tragic dramas, soaring choral arrangements, and instrumental masterpieces. The kind of cultural flex that made Athens the place to be. With no remnants of a roof (aside from the cedar one that once covered the orchestra area), this was an open-air spectacle from the very start.

A couple of millennia on, the Herodeion is still in business. By day, it’s a stunning ruin that whispers tales of the past. By night, it transforms into one of the dreamiest venues on Earth, hosting classical concerts, modern theater, and international acts beneath the Athenian moon.

Tip:
If you're planning a trip to Athens, check the event schedule ahead of time—nothing ruins a perfect ancient Greek night out like realizing all the tickets are gone. And since this is an open-air gig, always keep an eye on the weather. Rain or shine, though, this place remains one of the most breathtaking remnants of an era when entertainment was truly larger than life.