Theater of Dionysus, Athens (must see)

Perched on the southern slopes of the Acropolis, the Theatre of Dionysos holds immense cultural and historical importance as the birthplace of and a central venue for Greek drama.

The location was deliberately chosen near the temple of Dionysus, the god of wine and patron of drama. During the 5th century BC, the ancient Greeks held an annual festival in honor of the god Dionysus. The central events of the festival were the theatrical performances of dramatic tragedies and comedies.

The Dionysus Festival typically spanned about five to six days. Theatrical competitions were held during the festival, and winning the competitions was highly esteemed. Winners received both public honors and cash prizes. It was during these annual Dionysia festivals that renowned Greek playwrights, such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, saw their works staged here as part of theatrical contests.

The ruins visible today are partly remnants of a much larger structure built by the Romans, capable of seating up to 17,000. The Romans used it as a gladiatorial arena, for which purpose, a marble balustrade with metal railings was added for spectators' safety.

Also of note is a cave above the theater dedicated to the goddess Artemis. In the Byzantine era, this cave was transformed into a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Cave and served as a place where mothers brought their ailing children.

Today, the Theater of Dionysus serves as a symbol of Athens's enduring legacy in the arts and theatre. Sitting in one of its stone seats is a great way to appreciate this historically significant theater in the Western world.